Riverview School District in White County responds to possible online threat

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A possibly threatening message on social media has led the Riverview School District to caution families and increase campus police presence.

Superintendent Stan Stratton posted an update on social media Sunday night to explain the situation to parents. The school had been made aware of a post on Snapchat “that contained our District logo and a possible threat,” Stratton wrote.

The superintendent continued that law enforcement had been notified and an investigation is underway, adding that the school was working with investigators to identify the person who made the threat.

Stratton said the nature of the investigation meant the district, which serves the Judsonia and Kensett communities, could not disclose all its information.

“We want our students and others to understand that threats of violence against schools are felony acts, and once suspects are identified and found to be responsible, appropriate school discipline policy will be enacted, and the suspect will be turned over to law enforcement and prosecuted,” Stratton stated. “But, know that in order to perform the most thorough investigations, we are unable to provide confidential details to the public.”

He continued asking parents to speak with their children about “the gravity of such acts.”

Stratton said the district would have an elevated police presence on campus on Monday. He also said parents who wish to keep their child at home for the day may do so without a penalty for missing school.

Stratton closed by asking parents to be watchful of their children’s social media use and ensure all firearms in the home are properly secured. He also thanked the White County Sheriff’s Office and the Judsonia and Kensett police departments for working to keep students safe.

Multiple Arkansas schools have taken precautionary measures in recent weeks after being made aware of threats made via social media. Officials caution that making threats of this nature is a felony with a possible prison sentence attached.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.