The Marysville Division of Police is continuing to investigate a threat made against Bunsold Middle School.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Bunsold Middle School Principal Michelle Kaffenbarger informed parents the district had learned of a threat made Monday on social media against the school.
“In collaboration with the Marysville Police Department, an aggressive investigation began immediately after learning of the potential threat,” Kaffenbarger wrote to parents. “Marysville Police and Bunsold Middle School determined that the post posed no threat to the students and staff at our building. Based on the outcome of the investigation, the Marysville Police Department determined the post was not credible. Local law enforcement is continuing to investigate.”
The principal said students and staff told the administrative team about the threat. She said when district officials are given information, “it allows us to enact our safety protocol successfully.”
“It is important that Bunsold Middle School students are empowered and communicate information with school adults in order for appropriate action to be taken,” Kaffenbarger wrote. “When students come forward and share information we work together to maintain a high level of safety for all students.”
She referenced a letter sent earlier in the day by district superintendent Diane Mankins.
“We are blessed to live in a strong, vibrant community; however, we must continue to work collaboratively to ensure the safety of our schools,” Mankins wrote. “As a mother and a superintendent, I wish school safety conversations did not have to happen, but there is nothing more important.”
In that letter, sent to all district parents, Mankins also stressed the importance of student, parent and teacher participation in district safety.
“We depend on students, parents, and community members to alert the district with any concerns or potential threats,” Mankins wrote.
The superintendent highlighted a confidential hotline that can be used by anyone to report “concerns including, but not limited to bullying, abuse, bomb threats, cyber crimes, drugs, health concerns, suspicious behavior, fighting and weapons.”
The hot line number is 1-866-547-8362.
She said concerns can also be submitted online from the district website, www.marysville.k12.oh.us, using the “Stay safe SPEAK UP!” button on the center toolbar.
“We investigate every filed report,” Mankins wrote.
The superintendent explained Marysville Division of Police has three armed officers assigned to the district.
“Their presence is primarily focused at the secondary level (MHS, MECHS, BMS, and Creekview) yet they are available and often present in elementary buildings,” Mankins wrote, adding on-duty officers visit elementary buildings, participate in a variety of programs and routinely patrol neighborhoods around those schools.
She said the district is working with law enforcement agencies and first responders to develop, revise, implement and practice emergency operation procedures.
“Of course due to safety concerns, the details of the plans are not openly shared to protect our staff, students and everyone involved,” Mankins wrote. “In other words, we do not want to provide open access to our plans to anyone who may wish to cause harm.”
She outlined a series of “operational guidelines” the district follows. She said the procedures are “aligned to national researched best practices.”
Mankins wrote the district has established a locked, single entry point in each building. Visitors are required to “follow check-in procedures” before they are allowed in buildings.
She also said staff has been through ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) active shooter response training, which “encourages a multi-leveled response to violence including flight, hide/barricade, and fight.”
She said buildings conduct regular, age-appropriate safety drills to practice and train students.
Mankins said that in addition to working with law enforcement, district staff also work closely with mental health professionals, “to assist struggling students and families with mental health and behavior needs.”
In her letter, Mankins noted while the district tries to connect with every student, “we need parents and families to partner with us.”
“The most important tool in our toolbox when it comes to safety is parents,” Mankins wrote. “We know despite all our procedures, emergency plans, and precautions that relationships matter most. The relationships between staff and students, parents and their children, as well as families and schools make a difference.”
Calls to the Marysville Division of Police seeking more information about the threat went unreturned.