Safety & Security

Schools use threat assessments to:

• Identify concerning behavior early

• Prevent harm before situations escalate

• Support students who may be struggling

• Maintain a safe learning environment

A threat assessment may occur if a student:

• Makes statements about harming themselves or others

• Writes, draws, or posts concerning content

• Displays behavior that raises safety concerns

• Is reported by peers, staff, or community members

Students can be involved in threat assessments in a variety of ways. Some students may be the focus of concern, others may have information that may help us understand what happened or what is going on. Being involved does not mean a student is in trouble or suspected of wrongdoing.  

No. A threat assessment is not disciplinary by default. It is a safety review.

Discipline is considered only if school rules or laws were violated.

A school threat assessment team, which may include administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and school safety staff.

Yes. Parents or guardians are notified when their child is involved, if immediate safety concerns require urgent action first, parent or guardian notification may be delayed.

The team may:

• Review the reported concern

• Speak with the student

• Gather relevant information

• Assess risk using established guidelines

• Identify supports or next steps

Law enforcement is involved only when required by law or if there is a credible safety threat. Most threat assessments are handled by the school.

Support may include counseling, behavior supports, safety planning, or regular check‑ins. The goal is student well‑being and success.

Yes. Information is shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational or safety‑related need to know, in accordance with privacy laws.

A threat assessment is not:

• An automatic suspension or expulsion

• A criminal investigation by default

• A mental health diagnosis

• A punishment for joking, creativity, or normal behavior taken out of context

• A process that labels a student as “dangerous”

The purpose is to understand context, assess safety, and provide appropriate support.

Some behaviors reviewed during a threat assessment may also involve Title IX, which addresses sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct.

When applicable:

• The school follows Title IX requirements alongside the threat assessment process

• Families are notified if a concern falls under Title IX

• Supportive measures may be offered regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed

Threat assessments and Title IX processes may run separately or together, depending on the situation, to ensure safety, fairness, and compliance with federal law.

If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, the threat assessment process:

• Takes the student’s disability-related needs into account

• Involves appropriate special education staff when relevant

• Does not replace required special education procedures or protections

Any decisions regarding discipline or changes in placement follow IDEA and Section 504 requirements, including consideration of whether behavior is related to a disability.

The goal is to ensure safety while continuing to provide appropriate educational supports.

A screener is a brief, early step schools use to review a reported concern and decide whether further action is needed. It helps staff quickly and consistently understand the situation, consider context and intent, and determine the level of concern. A screener is not a diagnosis, discipline, or full investigation—it is a safety-focused tool used to guide next steps, which may include resolving the concern, providing supports, or moving forward with a full threat assessment if needed.