KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Kansas City, Missouri, charter school canceled classes Tuesday after receiving a threat via social media.
“I’m happier safe than sorry. It’s a lot easier to coordinate one day around your child staying home from school than it is coordination your entire life around your child’s funeral," said Sarah Legg, a 2nd grade parent. “And you just don’t want to think what if.”
Ashley Jones is a mother of three at the school. She said the school's commitment to inclusion led her to believe an incident like this wouldn't happen.
"The school is so diverse, thinking that would never be an issue but it kind of makes you wonder," Jones said. "Makes that thought pop up in the back of your head like something really could happen anywhere. It doesn’t matter.”
Dr. Danielle Miles, executive director of Citizens of the World Charter Schools of Kansas City, sent a letter to parents Tuesday morning outlining the reason for the decision.
“Late yesterday evening, we received information about a threat of violence against our school that was posted on social media,” Miles said in a letter to caregivers. “We take all threats seriously and have been working closely with law enforcement to address the situation.”
Miles said in the letter that Citizens of the World had “increased safety measures” and was “working closely with local law enforcement to monitor the situation.”
In a Facebook post on Citizens of the World’s page, the school said it learned of the threat late Monday evening. The decision to cancel school as police investigate was made overnight.
“We understand that this news may be unsettling, and we want to assure you that we are doing everything we can to keep our students and staff safe,” Miles said in the letter to parents. “We will provide updates as the situation develops and will work to reschedule any important activities that were planned for the affected days.”
KCPD detectives advised to issue a municipal charge for threats made toward the school and that the involved juvenile be released to parents.
It is believed there was and continues to be no direct active threat to anyone at the school, per KCPD.
"I am extremely proud of the students and parent that reported the social media post," Miles said in an email to KSHB 41. "I am thankful for the quick and thorough response from KCPD. Everyone responded to the situation with urgency, care, and concern, which honors our core value of community."
Citizens of the World told KSHB 41 News that a student has been suspended, pending a hearing, due to the threat.
KCPD said officers that work that area on a regular basis are aware of this occurrence and will be looking out for any issues at the school.
—
