Threat Assessment Information

A threat is any expression of an intent to harm someone. Threats may be spoken, written, or expressed in some other way, such as through gestures. Threats may be direct ("I am going to beat you up") or indirect ("Watch me beat him up after school"). A threat can be vague ("I'm going to hurt him") or implied ("You better watch out"). Possession of a weapon will also be investigated as a possible threat.

The District investigates every threat, utilizes a comprehensive Threat Assessment Protocol to assess the validity of the threat, and creates a plan for addressing the threat. When the District investigates a report of a threat and learns there was no threat made, a threat assessment is not needed.

The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), originally known as the Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines, is an evidence-based model for schools to conduct threat assessments in K-12 schools. This model has been extensively examined through field tests and controlled studies demonstrating its utility and effectiveness. CSTAG has been widely adopted by schools nationwide and was recognized as an evidence-based program by the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices in 2013. As a part of that process, we also work closely with local law enforcement on these incidents, analyzing the material made known by the individual who has made the report. For information on CSTAG, please visit their website and explore the criteria used. 

Yes. Threats that insinuate violence to individuals or a school population are reported to our law enforcement partners across our ISD 728 communities. We value these partnerships and the resources our local departments and sheriff’s offices can provide. While the District has consequences for any threat, law enforcement may also apply criminal consequences.

Yes. There are Student Resource Officers (SROs) assigned to each secondary building, and they cooperate to serve our elementary buildings as well. The relationships students build with these officers are often our first line of defense when it comes to any threats reported.

If your child knows about a student who has made a threat, it's important to contact the school principal or, for students in the middle and high schools, report on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.

*Please note a person can identify themselves when using this system, which can help with our investigations

Students are often reluctant to tell staff about threats because they don't want to be considered "snitches". Teach your son or daughter that there is a difference between snitching and seeking help to prevent an act of violence. The rumor mill can often make a misunderstood situation sound quite serious. We encourage parents to be partners in these situations to help students clarify where the information was gathered and to use the reporting systems identified above and posted throughout the schools.  In most cases, threats are a sign that a student is frustrated, angry, and in need of help resolving a problem. The goal of the threat assessment is to evaluate substantive threats and address any underlying problem, and provide support to students when needed.

If it is determined a threat warrants communication to families, that will start at a classroom level. If the threat is deemed to impact the entire building - i.e. impacting the school day - a note to all families will come from the building’s administrative team. If the threat is larger, the District’s Crisis and Communications teams will work hand-in-hand with the Superintendent to communicate updates to communities. Typically, notifications are used to provide accurate information and to address rumors regarding an incident, not a validated threat.

Any incident deemed a threat is communicated - to what extent that is shared depends on the level of the threat. ISD 728 serves more than 14,500 students and expands over 170 miles. Communicating to those in need of information is determined by our Crisis and Communications Teams, Executive Leadership and by our local building administration team. Together, information is sent to those directly impacted as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.

First, various factors determine what information we can legally or need to share after a threat at an ISD 728 building. For example, is the investigation ongoing? Are we concerned about a continued threat to the building? Was there no real threat in the first place? Will sharing more information endanger our students and staff? What is our law enforcement agency’s recommendation?

Second, and perhaps more difficult to understand, is that those who may have made a threat(s) to our school(s) are protected by Federal and State privacy laws, which prohibit the District from sharing certain information with the public. ISD 728 will always prioritize the safety of our students and staff when making any decisions.

Most threats are shared with families as quickly as we can verify them, particularly if the threat is deemed credible. The District’s first priority is to manage the situation immediately and to ensure students are safe.

Yes. ISD 728 works diligently to provide a safe learning environment each day. We understand if a student is struggling to feel secure during or after an incident. Please contact the attendance office to inform if a student is staying home, as you would for any other school absence. Consider sharing these resources:

• Talking to Kids about Tragedies (Such as Shootings and Terror Attacks) in the News

• Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators