Hallsville School District responds to parents concerns over threats

The Hallsville School District said Tuesday that it wants to reassure concerned families after several attended a school board meeting to question the district’s communication and investigation into alleged threats at the middle school.

The district first notified parents of a threat investigation Monday afternoon. Several parents were at the school board meeting that night to talk to officials about the situation.

ABC 17 News obtained a follow-up letter sent by Superintendent John Downs on Tuesday afternoon.

“In response to the questions raised, the district has also conducted a review of our investigatory, disciplinary, and crisis management and communication procedures,” Downs wrote.

He said Hallsville Middle School Principal Ty Sides started an investigation after he was alerted by a parent of a perceived threat her child heard in class involving a student mentioning a “hit list.”

The letter said an investigation that included the Boone County Sheriff’s Department concluded Friday afternoon and determined “no list was ever created or existed, and neither students nor staff were in danger or harm.”

All disciplinary actions are confidential due to privacy laws.