The School District of Washington is committed to providing a safe environment for all students, staff, and community members. To achieve this, we have established clear and comprehensive protocols for handling any reported threats to our schools. These protocols are designed to prioritize safety, ensure transparency, and follow legal guidelines while maintaining confidentiality when necessary.

When a threat is reported, our response follows a systematic process:

Immediate Response and Investigation: Upon receiving a report of a threat, school administrators immediately begin investigating the situation. This initial investigation focuses on gathering facts, identifying those involved, and determining whether the threat poses an immediate danger.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement: In cases where a threat is determined to be credible, the district partners with local law enforcement, including the juvenile office and the prosecuting attorney. Law enforcement involvement may lead to legal consequences, such as criminal charges or juvenile detention, depending on the severity of the situation. Our collaboration ensures that both school and legal responses are aligned, providing a comprehensive approach to addressing credible threats.

Family Communication: Our top priority is the safety and security of all students. We communicate with families as soon as possible, providing transparency when we can, while also adhering to legal restrictions such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). While we strive to keep families informed, some details may be confidential to protect student privacy and the integrity of investigations.

MSBA Threat Assessment Protocol: After the initial investigation, the district utilizes the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) Threat Assessment Protocol to evaluate the threat further. This research-based protocol helps determine the seriousness of the threat and assesses whether it is credible or non-credible. The Threat Assessment involves a detailed evaluation of risk factors and provides guidance on the appropriate level of intervention. This step ensures that each case is handled consistently and with a focus on student safety.

Consequences and Discipline: Based on the findings of the Threat Assessment and the involvement of law enforcement, the district implements appropriate disciplinary measures. Principals can impose suspensions of up to 10 days. For more severe consequences, the superintendent or designee may issue suspensions for up to 180 days or pursue expulsion. Legal consequences, as determined by law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney, may include criminal charges or juvenile detention.

Ongoing Support: Throughout the process, the district works with mental health professionals, district staff, and families to support student well-being. We collaborate with agencies like Compass Health to provide necessary resources and mental health interventions, ensuring that students receive the support they need.

We encourage students and parents to report any concerns or threats through trusted avenues such as speaking to a school official, utilizing the Courage2Report system, or contacting 988 for crisis support. It is important to emphasize that no one will face retaliation for reporting, and we ask our community to refrain from reposting threats on social media to prevent the spread of misinformation.

As a district, we are also working to educate our students about the difference between conflicts and threats and the serious consequences that come with making threats. Together, we can ensure a safe and positive learning environment for all.

For a detailed overview of our school threat response process, please refer to our Threat Response Flowchart on this page, which outlines each step we take when a threat is reported.