Knob Noster superintendent releases statement after social media threat

A social media threat made by a Knob Noster high school student raised safety concerns, superintendent of schools said in a district-wide message on Friday. 

Jerrod Wheeler said a comment made on social media on Thursday night by a high school student "elevated the district's concern for safety."

Local police worked with the district to respond to the concern, Wheeler said. 

"The whereabouts and status of the student was determined last night, and accordingly, the district proceeded with additional safety precautions this morning to allow school to occur without disruption," Wheeler said in a statement. "These additional precautions will continue [Friday] and throughout the weekend, including events associated with graduation."

Wheeler also prompted students to "see something, say something" as an "effective way to identify and respond to potential threats." 

Read the full statement from Wheeler below.

Parents and Community,
Last night, Knob Noster Public Schools officials became aware of a comment made on social media by a high school student, which elevated the district’s concern for student safety.  The Knob Noster Police Department was immediately contacted and multiple officers engaged with the district to swiftly respond to this concern.  The whereabouts and status of the student was determined last night, and accordingly, the district proceeded with additional safety precautions this morning to allow school to occur without disruption.  These additional precautions will continue today and throughout the weekend, including events associated with graduation.  The district will continue to work with KNPD and other agencies to appropriately respond to this situation.

We commend the students and parents who made a very timely report to officials last night, and we also appreciate the quick response from KNPD to engage in the issue.  We ask that all students, parents, and members of the community continue to embrace the “See Something, Say Something” mindset.  This is one effective way to identify and respond to potential threats.

Knob Noster Public Schools and the Knob Noster Police Department take any potential threat to student safety very seriously and we appreciate all student and community partners who assist us in maintaining a safe and aware Knob Noster community and school district.

We wish everyone a safe and happy weekend as we celebrate the commencement of the Knob Noster High School Class of 2017!

Sincerely,
Jerrod Wheeler

Dr. Jerrod H. Wheeler
Superintendent of Schools