During Wednesday evening's North Schuylkill Board of Directors meeting, a group of concerned parents gathered to discuss recent security concerns following online threats targeting the school.
Over three days, tensions ran high as rumors spread about a potential school shooting and an alleged hit list.
The situation began when posts surfaced online, claiming that a student had plans to carry out a violent act at the school. By Monday evening, North Schuylkill administrators had released a statement assuring parents that law enforcement had investigated the claims and determined there was no credible threat. Despite these assurances, many parents chose to keep their children home from school on Tuesday. Local, county, and state law enforcement officials were present at both the elementary and high school campuses as an added precaution.
Just as the school tried to return to normal operations on Wednesday, new concerns emerged. A social media post circulating on Tuesday evening listed elementary students' and staff members' Snapchat handles, raising further alarms about potential threats. The district quickly notified parents that this new threat was also deemed not credible. Nevertheless, fear persisted, leading to further absences on Wednesday.
On Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Dr. Robert Ackell informed parents that two students had been identified as involved in the incident, which helped alleviate some concerns. However, a group of parents attended Wednesday's school board meeting to voice their worries and seek more information.
During the meeting, parents engaged in an open dialogue with the school board and administration, though specific details were limited due to the ongoing investigation involving juveniles. School Board Vice President Thomas Fletcher expressed gratitude to Superintendent Ackell, the administrative team, and law enforcement for their swift response. "We thank you for making safety a priority and addressing the situation so quickly," Fletcher said.
One parent asked who is responsible for deciding whether the school remains open in the face of such threats. Dr. Ackell explained that these decisions are made by him and his administrative team, in consultation with local law enforcement. When asked whether he made the right call in keeping the schools open, Ackell replied, "In my judgment, after working closely with my team and the police departments, yes, I do."
Parents expressed frustration over the lack of detailed information during the events, with some feeling left in the dark. Vice President Fletcher acknowledged this frustration, stating that the district shared as much information as possible in cooperation with law enforcement. He added, "If you chose to keep your child at home, we respect that decision. We would never open the school if it were unsafe."
One parent inquired about the possibility of the district using virtual learning in the face of such threats, but Dr. Ackell said that option was not deemed necessary. "Based on the information we had, we didn't feel it was necessary," he said.
Another concern raised was whether the students involved would face consequences. Dr. Ackell indicated that "every action will have a consequence" and mentioned that expulsion was a possible outcome, but declined to comment further due to privacy laws.
Parents also asked about the potential installation of metal detectors at the schools. While no specific answer was given, the administration noted that the district's safety team regularly evaluates security needs, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a physical security assessment of the district within the past year.
The topic of absenteeism was also discussed. High School Principal Ken Roseberry assured parents that absences for students who stayed home during the two days of heightened concern would be excused.
Another significant issue raised was the limited number of school resource officers (SROs) assigned to the district. The district currently has only one officer covering both schools, provided by Butler Township. However, the board approved an agreement with Butler Township to add a second SRO, a decision that had been in the works for several months. Parents also suggested hiring retired law enforcement officers, prison guards, or veterans to enhance security.
Frackville Borough Police Chief Paul Olson, who attended the meeting, expressed support for the school's handling of the situation, noting that his own daughter was present this week.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that not all rumors circulating online should be taken at face value. Principal Roseberry referenced a rumor about "restricted movement" at the school on Monday, explaining that it was unrelated to the threats and instead due to a medical issue. "The initial report on Monday was an embellishment that didn’t occur," Roseberry said. "We knew the facts from the start, and there was no reason to be alarmed." This rumor is believed to have led to the initial online reports on Monday that stated a threat was made to the school even though, it was not true.
When asked directly if North Schuylkill is safe, Superintendent Ackell confidently responded, "Yes," with Principal Roseberry adding, "Very safe."
The board thanked parents for their participation and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with the community.
The situation began when posts surfaced online, claiming that a student had plans to carry out a violent act at the school. By Monday evening, North Schuylkill administrators had released a statement assuring parents that law enforcement had investigated the claims and determined there was no credible threat. Despite these assurances, many parents chose to keep their children home from school on Tuesday. Local, county, and state law enforcement officials were present at both the elementary and high school campuses as an added precaution.
Just as the school tried to return to normal operations on Wednesday, new concerns emerged. A social media post circulating on Tuesday evening listed elementary students' and staff members' Snapchat handles, raising further alarms about potential threats. The district quickly notified parents that this new threat was also deemed not credible. Nevertheless, fear persisted, leading to further absences on Wednesday.
On Wednesday afternoon, Superintendent Dr. Robert Ackell informed parents that two students had been identified as involved in the incident, which helped alleviate some concerns. However, a group of parents attended Wednesday's school board meeting to voice their worries and seek more information.
During the meeting, parents engaged in an open dialogue with the school board and administration, though specific details were limited due to the ongoing investigation involving juveniles. School Board Vice President Thomas Fletcher expressed gratitude to Superintendent Ackell, the administrative team, and law enforcement for their swift response. "We thank you for making safety a priority and addressing the situation so quickly," Fletcher said.
One parent asked who is responsible for deciding whether the school remains open in the face of such threats. Dr. Ackell explained that these decisions are made by him and his administrative team, in consultation with local law enforcement. When asked whether he made the right call in keeping the schools open, Ackell replied, "In my judgment, after working closely with my team and the police departments, yes, I do."
Parents expressed frustration over the lack of detailed information during the events, with some feeling left in the dark. Vice President Fletcher acknowledged this frustration, stating that the district shared as much information as possible in cooperation with law enforcement. He added, "If you chose to keep your child at home, we respect that decision. We would never open the school if it were unsafe."
One parent inquired about the possibility of the district using virtual learning in the face of such threats, but Dr. Ackell said that option was not deemed necessary. "Based on the information we had, we didn't feel it was necessary," he said.
Another concern raised was whether the students involved would face consequences. Dr. Ackell indicated that "every action will have a consequence" and mentioned that expulsion was a possible outcome, but declined to comment further due to privacy laws.
Parents also asked about the potential installation of metal detectors at the schools. While no specific answer was given, the administration noted that the district's safety team regularly evaluates security needs, and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted a physical security assessment of the district within the past year.
The topic of absenteeism was also discussed. High School Principal Ken Roseberry assured parents that absences for students who stayed home during the two days of heightened concern would be excused.
Another significant issue raised was the limited number of school resource officers (SROs) assigned to the district. The district currently has only one officer covering both schools, provided by Butler Township. However, the board approved an agreement with Butler Township to add a second SRO, a decision that had been in the works for several months. Parents also suggested hiring retired law enforcement officers, prison guards, or veterans to enhance security.
Frackville Borough Police Chief Paul Olson, who attended the meeting, expressed support for the school's handling of the situation, noting that his own daughter was present this week.
The meeting concluded with a reminder that not all rumors circulating online should be taken at face value. Principal Roseberry referenced a rumor about "restricted movement" at the school on Monday, explaining that it was unrelated to the threats and instead due to a medical issue. "The initial report on Monday was an embellishment that didn’t occur," Roseberry said. "We knew the facts from the start, and there was no reason to be alarmed." This rumor is believed to have led to the initial online reports on Monday that stated a threat was made to the school even though, it was not true.
When asked directly if North Schuylkill is safe, Superintendent Ackell confidently responded, "Yes," with Principal Roseberry adding, "Very safe."
The board thanked parents for their participation and emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with the community.