Knoxville High School

Dear Knoxville staff and families,

I am writing to provide an update on a situation earlier today where a student was detained by local authorities resulting from a school report of a threat of violence.

Thanks to students reporting the threats to school staff, this matter was turned over to police and resolved in a quick and safe manner, allowing our district to continue the school day and Homecoming events. 

Out of an abundance of caution, we requested a stronger police presence throughout the proceedings and school day to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.

Today’s incident serves as a reminder that making threats of violence will not be tolerated and that any student who makes a threat will face disciplinary action and potential prosecution.

Ensuring school safety is a shared responsibility. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the seriousness of making threats, even if intended as jokes. Such actions can have severe consequences and cause unnecessary fear in our community.

It’s also important if anyone is aware of a threat to report it to school district administration or law enforcement — rather than share information on social media, where it can spread quickly and be misconstrued as the truth.

As district and community leaders, we remain committed to prioritizing the safety and security of students and staff. We will always work together to investigate each incident thoroughly and keep the lines of communication open with families.

By working together, we can maintain a safe, positive school environment where all students feel secure and can focus on learning and growth. Thank you for your cooperation in this critical matter.

Sincerely,