• An Important Message from the School Board — January 11, 2024

    As a School Board, we would like to take the time to thank everyone who has shared their concerns with us. We have responded to emails received and want to provide the wider community with this same information. The public’s input is important, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to share their concerns and perspectives with the Board. On a personal level, we all understand there is nothing more important than the safety of your children, and as a School Board, we take that responsibility very seriously.

    We want to assure you that the School Board continues to work with the administration to ensure that we are sharing as much information as is legally and ethically possible. We understand how frustrating it is not to have all the information, especially when it impacts your child and your community. We are bound by laws, regulations, and policies to protect all children and staff, and we want to provide the information we can about the processes and procedures that are followed when a threat occurs. We cannot speak specifically to this case, other than to assure you that these processes are not complete; therefore, no decisions have or can currently be made. As part of the process, when it is nearing completion, any individuals named in a threat will be involved in the restoration and decision-making process.

    We hear your frustration and be assured your child’s physical and psychological safety is important to us. For that reason, we support the administration’s protocol to notify the community only when there is a concern that is urgent or imminent, as determined in collaboration with law enforcement. In this case, law enforcement determined through the threat assessment that there was no continuing threat. 

    Dr. White is sharing more information on this process with people who have reached out and will also be sharing it with the Grandin community. Her message is also included below, as it provides information about the processes referenced above. 

    We do want to reiterate that in this case, NO decisions have been made, and your child’s safety and the safety of the staff matter to all of us. We appreciate your continued patience in an understandably stressful situation. 

    Roanoke City School Board
    Dr. Eli C.S. Jamison, Chair
    Joyce W. Watkins, Vice Chair
    Franny Apel
    Diane M. Casola
    Mark K. Cathey
    Michael L. Cherry II
    Natasha N. Saunders

    Message from Dr. White

    Good evening,

    Earlier today, I shared the message below with everyone who has emailed me with questions and concerns regarding threats at your child's school. As you know, safety is a top priority for Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS). Below, you will find my response, as it is important to me to also share this with the entire Grandin Court Elementary School community. 

    As a parent and an educator, I understand your concerns and want you to have the benefit of timely and accurate information. Therefore, I am sharing this message with those who have contacted me and then we will also share it with the Grandin Court community. To that end, let me assure you that RCPS takes every potential threat seriously. Our security protocols are designed and regularly reviewed to maintain a safe environment for all.

    It is important to keep in mind that when we are confronted with challenging situations, misinformation often escalates worries. Rumors or assumptions increase fears and lead to conclusions that may not be accurate. Our team collaborates closely with law enforcement and follows strict procedures when assessing and addressing any potential risks to ensure the safety and protection of all parties involved.

    For clarity and for your reference, I’d like to shed light on the threat assessment process. It is a systematic, fact-based process emphasizing an appraisal of observed or reasonably observable behaviors to identify potentially disruptive, dangerous, or violent situations, to assess them, and to manage/address them. It is important to keep in mind that decisions regarding a student's placement and re-entry are confidential and are determined by a diverse team with expertise in human resources, education, school administration, mental health, and law enforcement. Others may also be included as deemed appropriate. All processes must be completed before moving forward with next steps. In this case, the process is ongoing and has not been completed. 

    Prior to acting on next steps, those named in a threat are notified and school administrators are included in the development of the child’s re-entry plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and the school community. If it is determined that it is unsafe or not in the best interest of the student or the school community for the student to return, the development of an alternative educational plan occurs. 

    I encourage you to stay connected with official school communications, as we will provide updates promptly if any concerns impact the school community, which are urgent or imminent. Additionally, I am placing links to additional information below for your information.

    Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in keeping our schools safe. Your cooperation and support are immensely appreciated.

    Threat Assessment Process:

    Disciplinary Process:

    Reporting of Threats