OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Oshkosh Schools Tuesday warned students that threats against school safety won’t be treated like a joke.
No current high school student has lived in a world without school shootings, and violent threats have become more common.
“We’re constantly gauging what’s happening on a national level, as well as at the state level, and we’re always trying to position ourselves to be more of that proactive approach, rather than the reactive approach,” superintendent for the Oshkosh Area School District Dr. Vickie Cartwright said.
Oshkosh North High School students weren’t laughing when they saw firsthand how terrifying a school threat can be.
The school went on lockdown last year, after a parent told school leaders her son might be armed with a rifle.
“Although it took a pause for the day for everybody, we took it very seriously,” said Oshkosh Police Chief Dean Smith. “The school district acted, obviously, appropriately, I think the police department; we did our due diligence in the investigation, and the parents – they worked with us so that we could get a good resolution to that particular incident.”
Law enforcement says there will be zero-tolerance for any threat against the district.
“All of these threats will be taken seriously, and we will arrest and jail those individuals responsible,” said Winnebago County Sheriff John Matz.
OASD is also working with families to create a shared understanding of expectations and the seriousness of violating them.
“When it comes to safety, there is no joking around,” Cartwright said. “Any, and all reported threats of violence in, or about the Oshkosh Area School District schools will be taken seriously and will result in discipline, up to expulsion.”
OASD officials say every school building within the district has its own safety team, as well as a threat assessment team comprised of administrators, counselors, and other school staff who review incidents as they occur and decide how to respond.
Parents are also being asked to talk with their kids about using good judgment, especially on social media.
