School threat addressed in memo

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
One concerned parent made an appearance last Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Weston County School District No. 1 board of trustees meeting to share frustration and concerns surrounding a threat made to students at Newcastle Elementary School and how those threats were addressed. 
“I didn’t sleep much last night after getting a call that a serious physical threat had been made against my youngest boy,” Ty Checketts told the board. “I never dreamt anything like that would happen, and I had a rough day.” 
The threat Checketts was referring to was addressed in a Nov. 14 memo from the school district. The memo stated that earlier in the week, several parents or guardians of students attending the school were informed that a serious threat had been made against their child. 
“The students who made the threat has been removed from school, and we are working cooperatively with law enforcement to take appropriate steps to protect our students,” the memo, signed by Superintendent Brad LaCroix said. “At this time, we feel the threat has been addressed.” 
Checketts told the school board and administrators at the meeting that he called the school and local law enforcement several times and could get no information on what actually happened that day. 
“I respect the law. Don’t think that I don’t. But I am sitting here saying, “What rights do I have as a dad?” Checketts asked. “No one can talk to me, and I can’t get any information.”
He said that despite the laws surrounding the release of the information, he feels that, as a parent of a student involved, he should be privy to a report on the incident, to know what the threat was and if his son is really safe and to be notified when that student returns to school. 
“I keep getting told no but what about my rights? What about my son’s rights? We have to protect our kids, and as a dad, I feel that I have no voice today,” Checketts said. 
After making phone calls on his own, he said, he reached out to his lawyer who told him that he had the right to know what the threat was and if the student making the threat was coming back. His lawyer then attempted to make calls to the school district and law enforcement, receiving the same answers, he said. 
“It is frustrating to live in a day and age that I can’t know the truth about my son,” Checketts said. 
His biggest concern, Checketts said, is whether or not it is safe for his son to be in school when the kid making the threats returns. 
“We love the education. We love what the school here does …, but nothing trumps the safety of my son,” he said. “I am not upset with you folks; I am here asking for help.” 
Chairwoman Tina Chick thanked Checketts and said that she understands his frustration. 
“I would like to share with you that it is frustrating for us. There is going to be a discussion and one we continue to have. The No. 1 priority for us is for your son and every child that goes to this school,” Chick said. “I want you to know that we are doing everything we possibly can to make sure your son and everyone is safe. It may not help you sleep at night, but I want to let you know we are doing that.” 
Chick said that she is unsure what Checketts can do to get his questions answered. Superintendent Brad LaCroix encouraged Checketts to continue doing what he has been, being a good father. 
“Communication is critical. Another thing we can beg you to do is continue to communicate with the staff. I can’t imagine the frustration as a parent, but I can guarantee our staff is going to do everything they can,” LaCroix said. 
Trustee Tom Wright added that it is important to communicate with our children the need to be aware of what is happening around them. 
“They need to know not to keep it to themselves. They need to tell someone, even if they don’t know for sure. If you hear something, somebody should know,” Wright said. “The awareness of the students is the first line of defense.”
Checketts acknowledged that what little he has learned about the incident, he feels that is what happened and that the system worked. 
“I am very grateful that it did, but I want to know more. It is my kid, and I especially want to know if this person is coming back and what is going to happen then,” Checketts said. “What does it take to know they are safe to return to school? Those are my concerns.” 
LaCroix said that the school district will continue to be vigilant and alert to ensure the safety of all students in the district but that disclosing information about this matter would violate state and federal laws that classify most student information as confidential.