In Southern Boone County, a student was arrested on Monday for making threats at Southern Boone Middle School. This led to an early dismissal of classes and the cancellation of Tuesday’s sessions.
According to the Ashland Police Department, they were informed about a verbal threat at Southern Boone Middle School around 9 a.m. on Monday.
They arrested a student for fourth-degree assault. Since the suspect is a juvenile, specific details about the case are not being shared.
After hearing more threats and rumors, Southern Boone School District decided to release students early and cancel classes for the next day.
Superintendent Tim Roth said the early dismissal was meant to help ease the community’s anxiety and that the district is working closely with the Ashland Police Department to ensure everyone’s safety.
All extracurricular activities were canceled for Monday and Tuesday. A planned Board of Education meeting was postponed, though an executive session took place privately.
Amy Begemann, the school board president, mentioned that the board discussed recent threats, but the details remain confidential.
Parents gathered outside the district office, seeking answers and expressing frustration over the lack of communication. Some parents claimed the district was not fully cooperating with the police, which they felt was impacting the investigation.
Bill Tackett, a former Cole County Prosecutor, explained that if a juvenile is released after making a threat, it’s typically because they are not considered a continued threat.
He noted that the severity of the threat and the student’s mental health are important factors in such decisions.
The district plans to resume classes on Wednesday, although a specific plan had not been finalized by Monday night. Parents expressed their concerns about the safety measures and the need for a clearer plan moving forward.
A prior incident involved a juvenile arrested for a terrorist threat against Southern Boone Middle School. The details of the threat were not disclosed, but it included violent drawings and online images.
The district emphasized that while they cannot share specific details about student discipline, they are committed to safety and transparency.
The Ashland Police Department has addressed rumors of additional threats, including a gun at a football game and a knife, stating these were false.
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They have encouraged the community to submit any relevant digital evidence through a QR code on their Facebook page.