On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, several Roanoke Valley school divisions became aware of a TikTok video that showed a list of schools and used the phrase “targeted” in reference to those schools. Several of the schools listed had the same names as local schools. Though no direct threat was made, local law enforcement agencies investigated and determined that no threat was made.

The video showed a list that had been published by the Georgia Department of Education, listing Title I schools in Georgia that will receive “targeted assistance” for school improvement purposes. This is a phrase that is used to designate schools that need additional support. Several of the schools on that list happened to have the same name as local schools in our region.

While there was no threat to schools, we appreciate families for alerting school staff to this video so our law enforcement partners could investigate further. We want to remind students and families to always say something when they see or hear something concerning. The SpeakUp for Safety Tipline is available 24/7 at (540) 200-1999. We also ask families to please check your children’s social media and remind them that threats, whether intentional or as a joke, are taken seriously, and anyone making threats or sharing messages of threats will face serious consequences.

Thank you for your support of Roanoke City Public Schools.