Threat At Bozeman Schools – Reaction From Superintendent

Thursday, December 20, 2012

An Open Letter to BSD Parents and Guardians,

I am writing this note to provide you with the best available information, to discourage rumors and to ask for your assistance. Some of you may be aware that there has been an increase in the number of rumors regarding a possible violent act during the assembly at the high school on Friday, Dec 21, 2012. As with all threats, school district administrators and Bozeman Police have been investigating the rumors and at this time we can find no credible evidence or validity to the reports. However, due to the sensitivity of the week and recent events we made the decision to postpone the talent show assembly. In talking with students and parents, we were convinced that students would not have enjoyed the assembly if it were held tomorrow. The police are still actively investigating the rumors and we hope to get the bottom of this issue as quickly as possible. We are not canceling or postponing any other activities or events planned for Friday, as we believe that this unsubstantiated threat was specific to the high school assembly.

At this time, we do not believe there is any substantiated threat to school safety at the high school or any school in the district. If there were a substantiated threat, you would be notified. We believe all of our schools to be safe. However, to make all students feel more comfortable and safe on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, we will have increased police presence at the high school. In addition, we have asked police to be visible at school events occurring at our other schools on Friday.

We take the safety and security of our schools and students very seriously. We work closely with law enforcement to investigate all threats and determine the source(s). As a reminder, students who are using social media (e.g., Facebook, etc.) inappropriately to make threats of violence will be prosecuted. As parents and guardians, we ask that you discuss these issues with your children and impress upon them the seriousness of threats and rumors in today’s society, especially in light of the recent tragedy. Ask them to notify you or the school should they hear of any planned or potential disruptive behavior and to not become part of the problem by spreading rumors to friends or through social media.

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, and we will continue to be vigilant. Please feel free to call my office or call your school principal should you have any questions or comments. I appreciate your continued support of a safe learning environment for our students.

Sincerely,

Robert Watson

Superintendent