SPS parents notified about nationwide increase of online school threats

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield Public Schools notifying parents that there is an increase of online threats toward schools. This increase is on a national and state level, SPS Chief Communications Officer Stephen Hall saying there is no threat to any Springfield Schools.

“We wanted them to be aware of the national trend, to thank them for letting us know that they had observed the posts we wanted them to know,” says Hall. “We were aware we were investigating. And then at this time, we do not believe there is a credible threat in Springfield.”

Sara Barry has kids in elementary school, she says that when she read the SPS email it didn’t shock her.

“It’s awful to say I wasn’t even surprised because it’s been happening all over the country, people that I know in different cities have been experiencing and dealing with this all week,” says Barry.

Now Springfield School Police are investigating any potentially threatening posts.

“They analyze those posts. They work with their law enforcement partners. They have very close relationships with Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Police Department and others. And so when they look into that many times, they’re able to identify the source of the information,” explains Hall.

Barry says while she does not live in fear her children’s safety at school is always on her mind

“Probably at least once a week I look in the rearview mirror when my kids are off and think you know, could this be the day this something happens,” says Barry.

The email from SPS to parents included the Springfield School Police Dispatch number, 417-523-2911, and the anonymous tip line number, 417-319-2901. Hall says anyone with information on online threats can call these numbers.

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