CELINA-After dealing with multiple threats and hearing concerns from the public, the Clay County School Board is set to consider a policy to improve public notification.

The action comes as a result of concerned citizens addressing the board at their meeting last week in response to a threat made regarding Hermitage Springs School, which was one of multiple threats the school system has faced in the past week.

According to a video of the Thursday, September 12 school board meeting posted on the Clay County Schools CCBE YouTube page, concerns were voiced because the public was not notified until the day after the threat was reported.

“After school hours on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Clay County Sheriff’s Department received a report that a Hermitage Springs School student had allegedly made a threat of school violence,” officials posted on the Clay County Schools Facebook page midday Wednesday, September 11.  “Tennessee Homeland Security and the Clay County Sheriff’s Department have thoroughly investigated this report.

“Pursuant to Tennessee‘s new school safety law, the Hermitage Springs School threat assessment team met this morning, and appropriate measures have been taken to deem all schools in Clay County safe for attendance.”

In response to the call for a policy to be put in place to better inform the public made by citizens addressing the school board during the public comment period, school board members and director of schools Diana Monroe explained they were eager to work towards a solution.

“It is something obviously we can learn from and hopefully respond better in the future,” school board chairman Benji Bailey said.  “From my standpoint, as we look at it, each and every situation will be different, but we can consider a policy that will be able to address any of these issues.”

School board member James Mays also lended his support towards taking action.

“I think we need to form some kind committee… to make sure that the policies that we have are either updated or we create a policy of where we put out information when these things happen and develop a protocol for it,” Mays said.

School board members Mark Ashlock, Vonda Weir, and others also offered their thoughts, before Monroe said she would “start in the morning” by inquiring about Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) policy concerning public notification.

“I know it’s been a very stressful week on everyone, and I promise you that your concerns are not isolated,” Bailey said in closing to those in attendance at the meeting.  “Your concerns are not unheard.

“It is our goal, as Ms. Monroe said, to start addressing those as soon as possible,” he continued.  “If it requires a policy change, that is what will be considered, and we will do everything in our power to—as I think we have done, but we will do everything in our power, to be transparent and address everyone’s concerns.”

Since the meeting, multiple Facebook posts concerning the issue have been made by Clay County Schools, including another threat and soft-lockdown announcement for Hermitage Springs School Monday, and a statement from Tennessee Sheriff’s Association President Jeff Cassidy.

“With the increased volume of school threats being made across the state of Tennessee, we want parents, students, and citizens to know that we will not tolerate anyone making threats and inciting fear within our schools and community,” Cassidy said in the statement.  “Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Making threats of violence against a school is a class E felony offense TCA 38-16-517, which carries life altering consequences.”

In the statement,, Cassidy also encouraged parents to be proactive.

“We urge parents to monitor what their child is posting on social media platforms and to talk to them about the seriousness of making or even sharing threatening posts,” he said.  “As always, we continue to urge the community to report anything suspicious or potentially threatening in nature toward schools or any public building.

“We understand the frustration, stress, and fear communities across our state are dealing with, and we will continue to investigate every threat received in an effort to ensure the safety of our schools and all citizens.”

The latest soft lockdown announced prior to HORIZON press time was lifted early afternoon on the same day.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office posted information about the Monday event on their Facebook page that afternoon.

“On 9/16/2024 the Clay County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a potential threat pertaining to some students who attend the Hermitage Springs School,” the post said.  “Once the sheriff’s office received the call, a thorough investigation was conducted with partnering agencies concerning this matter.

“Through the investigation it was found that the incident occurred over the weekend and there was no threat made to any school.

“We want to encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the seriousness of sharing any threatening posts and/or any type of communication related to school violence,” the post continued.  “Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A) 39-16-517, threat of mass violence on school property or at a school-related activity, is a Class E Felony.”

The local instances have come as a wave of threats have been made statewide and across the country following the school shooting in Georgia earlier this month.

For the complete video of last week’s school board meeting, visit www.clayedu.com/board-meetings.