Chapel Hill Independent School District (CHISD) encountered a concerning incident on Monday, May 15, when a social media threat emerged at another district in North Carolina, causing a mix-up in the situation. Although the initial notification of a social media threat did not target a specific CHISD school, a CHISD student subsequently reshared the post, inadvertently amplifying the situation.
The Social Media Post
At approximately 7 a.m., CHISD officials received a notification regarding a shared post by a student. Acting swiftly, the CHISD Police Department reached out to the Smith County Sheriff's Department for support. In collaboration with the administration, a comprehensive plan of action was swiftly devised to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The district did not initiate a lockdown at any of its campuses after shortly being informed by authorities that the social media threat was not deemed credible or specifically threatening a CHISD school . However, the situation became increasingly concerning for parents and families as the original shared post started circulating within the Chapel Hill community. In response to the growing concerns, CHISD remained attentive and proactive by promptly sending a message to all parents and deployed additional officers to the High School and the Junior High.
Message to parents:
“The district is aware of a social media threat and has taken additional safety measures to ensure the safety of our students and staff."
Parents were also granted the option to check out their children if they desired. CHISD wants to reassure our parents and families that no firearms were discovered, and no attempts to cover up information were made. Consequently, the absences of students whose parents chose to pick them up due to the threat would be considered excused.
More About the Investigation:
After further investigation, it was determined that the threat was aimed at Chatham Middle School in Siler City, North Carolina, which is about an hour and a half outside of Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Bivens, an interim principal at the school, and Ms. Taylor, another principal, firmly believe that the threat specifically targeted their institution. They are currently collaborating with the FBI to address the situation.
In light of this incident, CHISD remains unwavering in its commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff. Working closely with law enforcement agencies, the district will continue to promptly address any potential threats or disruptions, ensuring a secure learning environment for all.