17 superintendents in Northeast TN respond to series of school threats

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — Seventeen superintendents in Northeast Tennessee have released a joint statement after multiple schools in the region received threats.

Earlier in September, numerous schools in Tennessee were subject to school threats on social media. Investigations by law enforcement agencies resulted in several juveniles, some as young as 12 years old , being charged with threats of mass violence and false reporting. In one instance, 16 students at South Greene Middle School were charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly posting a TikTok video that depicted them re-enacting an apparent school shooting with a title of “to be continued.”

On Tuesday, Elizabethton City Schools issued a joint statement on behalf of superintendents from across Northeast Tennessee. In the statement, the superintendents addressed the threats and the strain they place on school safety and efficiency.

“In recent weeks, schools throughout our region have experienced a notable increase in reported threats to school safety,” the statement reads. “This appears to be part of a trend of similar, non-credible posts that have been circulating in communities across the country.”

Superintendents encouraged their students, staff and communities to use the proper channels when reporting potential threats. According to the release, those include contacting a school administrator or teacher, using a school system’s designated reporting tools, using the statewide reporting app Safe TN, contacting local law enforcement via their non-emergency number or calling 911 if it is an emergency situation.

“Hoax threats can be highly disruptive to teaching and learning, while causing a great deal of
stress and anxiety,” the release states. “We are asking for the help of our students, staff, families, and community members by not sharing rumors or posts referencing unsubstantiated threats via social media. Doing so only causes more confusion and misinformation to spread, which can make it difficult for law enforcement officials to investigate situations in a timely manner.”

Superintendents asked everyone to “report-rather than repost.”

The following superintendents made the statement:

• Dr. Steve Barnett – Johnson City Schools
• Dr. Christopher Hampton – Kingsport City Schools
• Dr. Justin Norton – Newport City School
• Dr. Jerry Boyd – Washington County Schools
• Matt Hixon – Hawkins County Schools
• Dr. Mischelle Simcox – Johnson County Schools
• Arnie Bunch – Hamblen County Schools
• Edwin Jarnagin – Rogersville City School
• Steve Starnes – Greeneville City Schools
• Dr. Brandon Carpenter – Carter County Schools
• David McLain – Greene County Schools
• Dr. Annette Tudor – Bristol City Schools
• Chuck Carter – Sullivan County Schools
• Manney Moore – Cocke County Schools
• Richard VanHuss – Elizabethton City Schools
• John English – Unicoi County Schools
• Charlotte Mullins – Hancock County Schools

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.