By Kim Hilsenbeck
District officials at Hays CISD are reporting a second threat written on a bathroom wall, this time at Hays High School. While the threat is being taken seriously, Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy wrote in a statement to media, "We have had what appears to be a copy cat threat at Hays High School this afternoon."
There have been no evacuations at the school.
"At this time there is no danger to any students or staff at Hays High School. We are continuing normal operations and everyone is safe," wrote Principal David Pierce in a letter to parents.
On Friday, Lehman High School Principal Michelle Chae sent a letter to parents about a threat made on a bathroom wall that a student was going to shoot up the school on Monday, 4/20. That happens to be the date of the infamous Columbine incident 16 years ago. Monday morning, officers from Hays County Sheriff's Office searched students and backpacks and conduted other safety protocols when such a threat surfaces.
Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy said Lehman's attendance numbers for Monday show a 55.8 percent rate, which means nearly 1,000 students out of 2,235 did not show up for school.
The full text of the letter from Pierce to Hays High families is below:
April 20, 2015
Dear Hays High School Parents,
This afternoon we discovered graffiti on a bathroom wall that indicated a threat against our school. There was no specific information contained in the threat. We believe it was written this afternoon and was likely a copycat note because of the attention the threat at Lehman High School has received. Our response to any and all threats is based on the type of threat received, what information the threat contains, and other factors.
As principal, I want you to know that the safety and security of our students is my first priority. At this time there is no danger to any students or staff at Hays High School. We are continuing normal operations and everyone is safe. As an added safety measure, additional law enforcement officials will be present on campus the remainder of the day. We will also have an increased presence throughout the week. Administrators and law enforcement officers have opened an investigation into who made the threat.
Making threats is not a joke, it is a crime. If you hear about anyone who is threatening to hurt themselves or others, please report it right away. If you have any information that may help this ongoing investigation, please reach out to me or any staff member, or contact Hays County Crime Stoppers (www.callcrimestoppers.com/campus.html).
Thank you for your understanding and patience in this matter. I appreciate your support of Jack C. Hays High School. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (512) 268-2911.
Sincerely,
David R. Pierce
Principal
