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RV School District responds to alleged threat

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) – The Redbank Valley School District issued an immediate press release following the alleged threat from this morning. Please see the press release below from School District Superintendent Dr. John Mastillo:

Redbank Valley School District Press Release 3-4-19

Redbank Valley School District Press Release 3-4-19

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Sunday afternoon it was brought to the attention of the school district that an inappropriate photo was posted on Snapchat.

Details of the situation will not be specific. The lack of specifics is due to confidentiality and potential criminal charges.

Upon this information being shared with the district, law-enforcement was immediately notified. Information was shared including the photo and the alleged student who posted the photo. The investigation led to numerous students being contacted and questioned by the local police department regarding their involvement and the origination of the photo.

The original photo was obtained along with the student responsible for taking the photo. The police are working to separate the names of students whose names were mentioned in various social media platforms, but did not have any involvement.

During the time of the investigation, arrangements were made to ensure an added presence of security and law-enforcement was in place for this morning.

It was determined Sunday evening that the photo posting did not pose a security and safety issue to our students and/or staff. It was also believed that this information was not widespread across the district, therefore, no ‘one call’ was initiated.

However, based on the response this morning from the community with phone calls to police, staff, and the school – I ensure you that if presented with future events, whether true or false, you will receive information in a timelier manner.

There is no reason to indicate that the posting of this photo placed students and staff at risk. Had the police determined any level of risk, the district would have canceled classes and taken different preventative actions. It is the district’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of your children, the district staff and visitors to our campuses.

All information that is shared with the school district at any time indicating a risk or a situation that could create harm in anyway; will be investigated to its completeness. Action will be taken whether the information is fact or fiction, and if disciplinary and/or criminal action can be taken, it will be.

The safety and security of our campuses and those inside is of upmost importance. We will do everything within our power to ensure a safe and secure environment at all times.

Respectfully,
John R. Mastillo, Ed. D.”

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district

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