Christian County High School Principal Chris Bentzel has issued a statement regarding threats this week that led to considerable discussion in the community and there will be an opportunity Thursday for parents to speak with school and district administrators.
According to the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, a 17-year old male allegedly made statements on social media and to other students Monday that they should stay home from school on Tuesday. Investigation led to him being taken into custody and charged with terroristic threatening.
Bentzel says in an email that while he cannot discuss specifics of disciplinary action against students, he can say that, “On separate occasions this week, this school has received potentially dangerous threats.”
He says no threat is ever taken as a joke and the threats this week “were dealt with and students and staff were never in harm’s way.”
He tells parents that, “If the safety or well-being of students was ever an issue when attending school, you have our word that you would be among the first to know of this information.”
Christian County High School will hold a parent meeting at 4 p.m. at the school Thursday and Bentzel says it will be an opportunity to have open and in-person dialogue amongst parents, school and district officials.
Bentzel’s entire statement:
To Parents of Students at Christian County High School:
As the principal of Christian County High School, I’d like to take this time to share with you some concerns, in addition to providing some answers to questions we’ve received from parents over the past few days. Through this communication, we hope to only strengthen relationships we have between school and home
I hope you will understand, that as a school employee, it is our responsibility to always protect the confidentiality of students, as well as the disciplinary consequences students could face. Specific details can’t be shared when there are students involved. What I can share, is that on separate occasions this week, this school has received potentially dangerous threats. As a school, we have expressed to students many times before, that no threat is ever taken as a joke. Any and all threats are considered to be serious in nature and behaviors or any actions, which may threaten student or staff safety, is a concern of ours and action is always taken immediately upon receiving threatening information. I can assure you, that all incidents, such as the threats (mentioned above), were dealt with and students and staff were never in harm’s way. This is due to the immediate action taken by the school and law officials. The reality is, is that sometimes situations involve local law enforcement and when this occurs, it is because administration felt it was the best way to keep everyone safe and protected.
If the safety or well-being of students was ever an issue when attending school, you have our word that you would be among the first to know of this information. Communicating with our parents, students and staff is of the utmost importance and we would never withhold information on a situation that puts your child in danger. To reiterate, there was no imminent threat of danger by the mentioned (above) incidents, as determined by both law and school officials.
At our school, everyone has a part to play. Teachers to teach, students to learn and so forth. Educating our students is important, but we realize there are barriers to overcome along the way in order to achieve this; let’s work together. Parents, if you ever have concerns, I’m giving you an open invitation to contact me and my leadership staff. Your child is important to us and we know we have a serious job to do.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 11, CCHS will hold a parent meeting and we welcome this opportunity to have open and in-person dialogue amongst parents, school and district officials and myself. The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m. at the school. Again, the meeting is tomorrow, Jan.11 at 4:00 p.m. at the school.
Sincerely,
Chris Bentzel,
CCHS Principal