Christian County Public Schools is remaining vigilant after investigation into threats that originated online earlier this week, and officials are asking for the public’s help in the investigation and in keeping students calm.
Speaking with WHOP News Tuesday, Superintendent Chris Bentzel says that while the Hopkinsville Police Department was investigating online threats that turned out to be a hoax, they located other concerning matters that are actively under investigation. HPD says they’re working to determine the source of the threats—whoever is creating them is using fake accounts to spread the information online, inciting fear.
Superintendent Bentzel urged community members to share those posts with law enforcement, but resist posting them further online, because it not only hurts the investigation, it also can cause fear in students.
He says schools are under strict security measures, and they’re doing everything they can to keep students safe on campus.
Bentzel says they have open communication with their students, telling them kindly but honestly what is taking place and keeping their safety and mental health in mind while still having school.
The threats originated online, outside of school, and Bentzel says there’s been an uptick in similar threats and situations not just locally, but across the nation.
The Central Office is having an open house event on Thursday before the regularly scheduled school board meeting, with Full-Service Community Schools Director Nichole Poindexter saying it will get under at 4 p.m. She says this is the community’s chance to ask their questions and concerns, while getting to meet the Central Office staff.
The Central Office is located at 200 Glass Avenue, and there will be food, information sharing, communication and door prizes. Poindexter says it’s all in an effort to get to know the community better and have improved communication across all levels—and folks are welcome to stay for the Christian County School Board meeting that starts at 6 p.m. that evening.