GISD issues news release on GMS threat

In response to an information request from the Hood County News, Granbury Middle School Principal Andy Smith provided the following news release concerning an entry on the list of emergency dispatch calls received at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19. The entry was under the heading “Terroristic threat” in connection with the address of Granbury Middle School, at 2000 Crossland Road in Granbury.

Here is the full GISD news release, forwarded to the HCN by the school district’s information officer, Lissa Oliver:

“Dear Parents/Guardians of Granbury Middle School Students, The safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority. In an effort to provide transparent communication to our families, this parent notification letter is to inform you of facts regarding an investigation at Granbury Middle School. On Monday, September 19, it was reported that a GMS student posted a violent threat on a personal Instagram account over the weekend. GMS administration immediately began an investigation including notification of law enforcement. The student has been removed from the campus pending the outcome of the investigation. Due to laws protecting privacy rights of students, and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, I am limited in the information I may disclose. The threat assessment indicates there is no threat at this time. Throughout the investigation, GISD Board Policy and the Student Code of Conduct will govern our response. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct is located on the district website at www.granburyisd.org/handbook. We assure GMS families that while the threat assessment indicates there is no threat at this time, an increased security presence will be provided for the safety and security of our staff and students. We ask all GMS families to have a family discussion about social media and impress upon them the seriousness of threats in today’s society. Please reiterate to your student that social media posts perceived to be threatening in nature are not jokes, and those who make them will face school discipline and potential criminal charges. Please encourage your student to notify you and school personnel should they hear or see any threatening behavior including posts on social media or otherwise. We commit to open communication with GMS families should any additional information need to be shared regarding this threat. We welcome any questions or concerns from GMS families regarding the safety and security of our students.”

-- Sincerely, Dr. Andy Smith