DANVILLE — Ever since the Columbine school shootings on April 20, 1999,
students, parents and school officials across the nation have been sensitive
to the possibility of similar incidents.
Last month, several Danville eighth-graders and their teacher were allegedly
threatened by another student, who made graphic references to shooting people
in the class.
According to an incident report filed with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office,
acquired through a public records request by the News, the student was suspended
from school, and relevant reports and statements forwarded to the juvenile prosecutor
for review.
According to Knox County Assistant Prosecuter Chip McConville, the student has
been charged with disorderly conduct.
Because of federal laws protecting student confidentiality, Danville school superintendent
Dan Harper could not discuss the particulars of the incident.
“We do want to assure students and parents,” he said, “that
school safety is a priority in Danville schools.”
