Statement from White County director of schools

For security reasons, White County Schools does not release all procedures relating to school safety. However, the school district ALWAYS takes each reported incident seriously and looks into the details thoroughly. If at any time we believe that the school community is in danger, information will be released immediately and further measures may be enacted. Ultimately, our goal is to keep everyone safe while communicating in such a way that it does not create unnecessary fear and confusion. Members of the community can report concerns to their school administration at any time and they can be assured that these matters will be handled swiftly and appropriately.

 

Parents, we need your help. We are having too many instances (particularly at our high school) involving marijuana, e-cigarettes, and vapes. Let me be clear, our schools do not have a drug problem, our community has a drug problem. The White County School District is doing everything reasonable to stop illegal drugs in our schools. We employ law enforcement officers at each school, we use drug dogs to search, we have cameras throughout our buildings, we have counseling programs, we supervise students in the hallways, and we have an anonymous reporting application available to all students. Your school system will continue to do its part, but this is not a problem for schools to solve alone. We need adults to engage. Parents (and I am including myself in that group), you need to know what your kids are doing, who they are with, and what they are putting into their bodies. This includes the music they hear, the videos they see, and the things they ingest. If you suspect an issue with your student, please reach and let us help you and your child.

 

Students, stop bringing this junk to school. If we catch you, we are going to charge you with a crime. Furthermore, illegal drugs are a zero-tolerance offense by law which means that you could be kicked out of school for an entire calendar year and even arrested on the spot.

 

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for our school district. I am thankful for a faculty and staff that loves kids, works hard and pursues excellence. I am thankful for a community that trusts God, stands strong, and protects what is good in our society. We have a great community and I am thankful for those who fight to protect it. Thank you for your time and support, and I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Sincerely,

Mr. D