Local school district calls for community support

TYLER — In response to a troubling increase in threats made against schools across the country and in East Texas, Tyler ISD is reaching out to parents and guardians for their support in fostering a safe school environment. “Making a threat against a school, whether real or fake, is a crime with very serious legal consequences,” stated Acting Tyler ISD Police Chief Destry Walsworth. “These threats not only cause fear among students, staff, and families, but they also divert vital resources away from education and safety efforts.”

While many of these incidents turn out to be hoaxes, the repercussions can be significant. Law enforcement is often required to allocate substantial time and resources to investigate these threats, which detracts from their essential mission of keeping our community safe. Tyler ISD is committed to holding accountable those who make threats, but we cannot address this issue alone. We urge parents to engage in serious conversations with their children about responsible social media usage, especially the gravity of making threats or spreading false information, even as a joke. Understanding the real-world consequences of such actions is essential for everyone involved.

Parents should also be aware that they can face legal repercussions for creating or sharing fake threats, which could lead to restrictions on attending district facilities and events.

“Please know that any threat made, whether online or in person, is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated by our school district and local law enforcement,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “The safety of our schools depends on swift, yet thorough, decisive action, and we work in partnership with local authorities to ensure that every potential threat is handled appropriately. While safety is our top priority, communication is our second. As soon as information becomes available and is verified for accuracy and credibility, we will communicate directly with parents about the situation and the measures being taken to ensure safety and security.”

The district encourages everyone to adhere to the principle: “If you see something, say something.” Students are reminded to report any concerns anonymously through the district’s Safe2SpeakUP app.