Community Relations

Policy No. 4314

NOTIFICATION OF THREATS OF VIOLENCE OR HARM

Students and school employees who are subjects of threats of violence or harm shall be notified of the threats in a timely manner. Parents shall be included in notifications to students who are subjects of threats of violence or harm. Timing and details of the notice will be as extensive as

permitted by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, other legal limitations, and the circumstances.

Individual-directed threats of violence or harm are communications that create fear of physical harm to a specific individual or individuals, communicated directly or indirectly by any means. Building-directed threats of violence or harm are direct or indirect communications by any means of the intent to cause damage to a school building or school property (e.g.,bomb threats), or to harm students, employees, volunteers, patrons or visitors.

The district will address threats of violence or harm in a manner consistent with the district’s safety policies and comprehensive safe school plans. Persons found to have made threats of violence or harm against district property, students, employees or others will be subject to relevant district discipline policies and will be referred to appropriate community agencies including law enforcement and mental health services.

District staff shall work with in-district and community-based professionals and services in all relevant disciplines to address threats of violence or harm, those threatened and those making the threats.

Necessary information about the person making the threat shall be communicated by the principal to teachers and staff, including security personnel. State law provides the district, school district directors and district staff with immunity from liability for providing notice of threats in good faith. Persons who make a knowingly false notification of a threat are subject to appropriate district discipline policies and may be referred for prosecution.

The superintendent is directed to develop and implement procedures consistent with this policy.

Cross References: Board Policy 3207 Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

Board Policy 3240 Student Conduct

Board Policy 3241 Classroom Management, Corrective Actions or Punishment

Board Policy 5281 Disciplinary Action or Discharge

Board Policy 6513 Workplace Violence Prevention

Legal References: RCW 28A.320.128 Notice and disclosure policies — Threats of violence — student conduct — Immunity for good faith notice — Penalty WAC 180-40 Pupils 20 U.S.C. § 1232g Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

34 C.F.R. Part 99 FERPA Regulations

ADOPTED JULY 28, 2003