3 school threats were reported in Lexington District 1 within 10 days.

On Aug. 12, an unnamed 16-year-old White Knoll High student made online threats to shoot up the school and kill himself.

His father told police his son is autistic and “jokes” about suicide for attention.

That student has received mental health evaluations from the Community Crisis Response and Intervention department.

He has been released into his parents’ custody while awaiting a court date.

Last Wednesday, Aug. 21, 3 female Pelion Middle 8th-graders had a confrontation with a male 8th-grader in the cafeteria.

The male later made threats to shoot the girls.

A district employee reported the student’s remarks to administrators.

The student has been charged with making threats and released to his parents.

Deputies searched his home and found no weapons.

District 1 suspended the student.

He is barred from any District 1 property or events.

The teen will appear in Lexington County Family Court at a later date.

A 3rd incident was reported Thursday, Aug. 22, when a concerned parent found threats against Meadow Glen Middle School on a child’s cellphone.

The student is not allowed on District 1 property and has been recommended for expulsion.

The Chronicle asked the district whether any of the students would be expelled.

District 1 spokesperson Mary Beth Hill said, “Information contained in records about student disciplinary proceedings is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. A school district generally may not disclose to 3rd parties such information without the permission of the parents (or of the student if the student is 18 years old).”

The state’s leading Freedom of Information attorney Jay Bender disagreed.

“There is no provision in federal law cited by the district that would prevent them from revealing the actions taken without identifying the individual students.

“This is just another example of a school district looking for any excuse, no matter how unsupported, to avoid public accountability.”

The district encourages students and parents to report safety concerns.

The district’s tip line is 803-636-8317.

Concerns can also be emailed to 1607@alert1.us.com .