Lexington County District 1 schools, along with a host of other schools in the Midlands, experienced a large number of online threats earlier this year. Lexington 1 alone has responded to more than 15 online threats this year.

In order to keep the lines of communication open regarding safety concerns in the district, Lexington 1 has launched a safety survey (available via a QR scan on a video posted to its Youtube channel and on the school’s website).

“Over the past few months Lexington 1 schools, like many schools, across the state and country have been disrupted by threats,” Libby Roof, the district’s chief communications officer, said. “Our superintendent has communicated with employees and families multiple times about these threats.”

Roof went on to say that the FBI is made aware of swatting incidents and bomb threats when reports are made.

Superintendent Dr. Gerrita Postlewait has sent several emails to families of students in Lexington 1 after the threats were made. 

The online threats that were made earlier this year did not pose any physical threats, but according to Lexington County Sheriff’s Department SRO Supervisor Sgt. Wesley Swinson, they were  a distraction.

“This year, we did have a larger number of online threats coming through the internet across South Carolina and [Southeast],” said Swinson, who indicated that many copycat threats were made in addition to international online threats.

“They are difficult to prevent. The best way to not spread information if someone sees a threat [online] is not to post it. It’s best to present to law enforcement. Once it goes from one media to another, it propagates itself.”

Swinson emphasized that the biggest issue is the distraction because it occupies available resources.

Roof said the district “emphasizes to parents and staff how important it is to maintain open communication with students.”

She said there is a tip line accessible via phone, online and by email for students, parents and staff to access.

Other actions Roof said the district is taking include having a director and coordinator for safety and emergency services in addition to a district level safety team. School safety plans are reviewed annually, safety drills are held , school resources officers or armed security guards are present, active shooter training for employees as required by state law, unannounced safety visits with law enforcement agencies are held, and front entrances are secure.

Swinson said that every middle and high school in Lexington 1 has an SRO, and most elementary schools have either a dedicated SRO, a rotating SRO or a private, armed security officer. 

When it comes to having an SRO versus an armed security guard, that is at the discretion of the school district and it depends on where they believe the highest security is needed. The private security officers are licensed through SLED. 

The urban schools or those closer to an urban setting have more foot traffic in and around their grounds, Swinson said.

 As far as consequences are concerned when it comes to students making threats, Roof pointed out that “making threats against a school is against the law. Any student who makes a threat against one of our schools is immediately suspended and recommended for expulsion. They may also face serious criminal charges.”

As far as physical safety goes, Roof said there is only one secure entrance at all the schools where visitors have to enter through. 

Since social media and the internet is widely used by students, Roof said schools can use Common Sense Media resources for teaching students to be responsible about social media safety. She added that how the resources are used varies per school. 

The district is in the process of developing a new five-year strategic plan by developing a profile of the Lexington 1 graduate, Roof said. This includes looking at  ways to help students develop skills to utilize digital media in a responsible way.