LACIE SILVA
Editor
In light of recent school threats, concerns have surfaced about communication and response protocols within Marion County Schools.
Residents, including Stevie Ann Parker, a newcomer to Whitwell, voiced her frustration over conflicting information provided by the Marion County School Board and the Sheriff’s Department at the recent Whitwell board of Mayor and Commissioners meeting. Parker expressed confusion, noting that the Sheriff’s Facebook page labeled the threat as “fake news,” while an earlier post from the school board suggested otherwise. This inconsistency left many parents uncertain about the situation and unsure of whom to trust.
Parker criticized the current communication process, particularly the reliance on Facebook posts to relay important information. She argued for the implementation of an all-call notification system, similar to the one used in her previous school district in Norfolk, which would directly inform parents of any threats or issues. Vice Mayor Shelley Castle, also a local high school teacher, echoed Parker’s concerns, noting that even she had only learned about the situation through Facebook on her way to work.
Further, Parker demanded better communication measures from the school board, but officials explained that the board operates independently from the Sheriff’s Department and advised her to bring the matter directly to the County Commissioner and School Board.
Castle emphasized that these situations were new territory for everyone, stating, “These phones, these threats, and stuff that kids are doing… A lot of it, kids say things and they don’t realize there will be huge consequences.”
The confusion was further heightened when it was revealed that teachers and principals were also left in the dark, with no clear information about the threat at the time. Chief Boyd of the Whitwell City Police Department confirmed that local law enforcement had not been informed of the situation either.
Superintendent of Marion County Schools, Dr. Mark Griffith later clarified the incident, explaining that the initial concern arose from a misinterpreted Snapchat post.
The Snapchat post in question read: “Jms and mchs hope yall good
Jasper middle school
Marion co highschool
Bomb and shooter threats (sad face emoji) praying for yall fr”
As a result, a thorough investigation was prompted and the official statement released from the Marion County Schools Facebook page read: “Marion County Schools received a call from the Department of Homeland Security regarding an allegation of a possible threat around 11:00 pm (9-11-24). The investigation ran until 3:00 am (9-12-24). I spoke with Scott Evans at 3:15. It was determined by law enforcement authorities that there was no threat regarding this instance. There will be more law enforcement presence on campuses.”
DHS worked through the night from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., determining that there was no credible threat. To reassure the community, additional law enforcement presence was stationed on school campuses.
In response to the increasing number of school threats statewide, Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, President of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, released a joint statement emphasizing the seriousness of such incidents. He highlighted that making threats against schools is a class E felony under Tennessee law and carries severe consequences. Cassidy urged parents to closely monitor their children’s social media activity and educate them on the gravity of making or sharing threatening posts.
Cassidy’s statement reinforced the commitment of law enforcement to thoroughly investigate all school-related threats, stressing that the safety of students and the community remains a top priority. He encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior to ensure the security of local schools and public spaces.
As tensions surrounding these events continue, both school officials and law enforcement are working to improve communication protocols and maintain a safe environment for all students and residents.
