Area law enforcement and school officials address concerns
By Kim Lewicki, Highlands Newspaper
The Wednesday, Sept 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA, the 45th school shooting in 2024 in the U.S., has students, parents, school officials and law enforcement on guard and preparing for the unthinkable.
Coupled with threats since the shooting which have been broadcasted via social media as screenshots to students in Rabun County, Macon County and recently in Highlands everyone is on high alert.
“The recent tragedy in Winder, GA, has created a sense of insecurity among our school family and our community and has shaken all of us,” wrote Macon County School Superintendent, Josh Lynch in an email. “This tragedy has resulted in numerous threatening social media posts which have caused concern. And we are closely monitoring the situation and continue to work with local law enforcement to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place at all times.
“Our dedicated team has reviewed and reinforced our safety protocols to protect every member of our school community with enhanced security measures, including additional staff and surveillance, the promise of timely updates to keep everyone informed and the promise of open communication. If you have any concerns or see something suspicious, please report it immediately.
“We will use this tragedy as an opportunity to work with our school administrative teams to revisit processes and procedures surrounding vigilance and access to our school buildings and grounds. We will also communicate with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Police Department, Franklin Police Department and the NC Highway Patrol who regularly visit our schools and campuses.
“All of us play a part in taking care of our children and helping them feel safe. Remind yourself, your students, and your family that if and when something doesn’t ‘feel right’ or something seems suspicious, to report it immediately to a school official or to a member of law enforcement. Parents, please revisit the severity and consequences of pranks against school safety with your children,” said Lynch.
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of several threatening screenshots circulating on various social media platforms which detectives, and school resource officers thoroughly investigated.
“After speaking with law enforcement officials in both Rabun and Gwinnett counties in Georgia, it was determined that threats made on social media were targeted toward Franklin County, GA and to our knowledge, not toward Franklin, NC,” said Sheriff Brent Holbrooks.
However, extra precautions were taken to provide extra security at Franklin area schools last week.
Ongoing:
From the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office:
In the evening hours of Thursday, Sept. 5, Rabun County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a potential threat against Rabun County High School that was being shared on social media. This particular threat was sent as a screenshot from an anonymous user on a social media platform. After being notified of the potential threat, the Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation.
On Friday, Sept. 6, investigators were able to identify and locate a person of interest. After a thorough investigation a 15-year-old juvenile was placed under arrest and charged with Terroristic Threats and Acts, Disrupting Operation of Public School and Dissemination of Information Relating to Terroristic Acts.
From the Macon County Sheriff’s Office:
On Friday afternoon, Sept. 6, Franklin High School administration received information that a student made a threat of violence against the school. The student in question was interviewed and charged with the following that evening: one felony count of Communicating a Threat of Mass Violence on Educational Property.
This threat has NO relation to the screenshots that were circulating on social media addressed by the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, said Sheriff Holbrooks.
No further information will be released on the student as they are a juvenile. Franklin High School is NOT considered to be under any type of threat at this time.
“We want to urge parents to speak with their children about how their words matter. In this day and age, we have zero tolerance for any comments made that put any Macon County school’s safety into question,” he said.
Highlands Police Dept.
Due to recent events, an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our students, Highlands Police Department has enhanced patrols around local schools. This proactive measure comes as part of our continued efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students and school staff.
Many may have seen officers stationed at key locations at Highlands School and daycare facilities during peak times, including drop-off and pick-up hours. This increased visibility is aimed at deterring potential threats, responding swiftly to any incidents, and fostering a sense of security within our community.
“Our primary goal is to create a safe learning environment for our children,” said Police Chief Andrea Holland. “By increasing our patrols and working closely with school officials, we are reinforcing our commitment to school safety and ensuring that our students, teachers, and parents feel secure.”
The enhanced patrols will include:
- Increased Foot and Vehicle Patrols:
- Collaboration with School Staff:
- Community Engagement: Officers will be available to interact with students, parents, and school staff, building relationships and trust within the community.
In addition to these measures, the Highlands Police Department encourages parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or concerns to local law enforcement immediately. The safety of our children is a shared responsibility, and the community’s active participation is essential.
“We appreciate the support of our community and school partners as we work together to keep our schools safe,” said Chief Holland “By increasing our presence and maintaining open lines of communication, we aim to ensure a secure and positive educational environment for all.”
For more information or to report any concerns, please contact Andrea Holland at 828-482-2249 or 828-526-9431. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Area School Administrators
Still, getting threatening social media screenshots has made students nervous.
Highlands School principal Sarah Holbrooks said she and the school as a whole are thankful for the partnership between the school, the Central Office, the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and Highlands PD.
“As a team, we have collaboratively planned and worked hard to minimize the dangers a dangerous world presents on a daily basis. We continuously review these plans and make changes as necessary,” she said. “Highlands School is a wonderful and safe space to work and learn. And, we are very thankful to have a full-time SRO on campus every day.
Jeff Miles, head of The Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School has reached out to qualm fears expressed by his students from Macon and Rabun counties and beyond.
“The recent tragedy at Apalachee High School and subsequent online threats to schools in the region have understandably raised concern. While no threats have been directed at our school, we remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our close-knit campus community.
“Our Campus Safety Manager Adam Casebolt brings extensive experience in law enforcement and campus security. We benefit from strong partnerships and effective communication with local law enforcement agencies, and we are grateful for their care of our school community.
“In continuing our efforts to provide the highest standards of safety, we implemented significant safety technologies, training, and protocols in all divisions beginning last spring,” he said.
Though administration at Summit Charter in Cashiers is unaware of any issues, Head of School Kurt Pusch said maintaining a safe learning environment for our students, staff, and families will always be a priority at Summit.
“We strive to uphold a culture that fosters trust, care and openness where students and parents feel safe reporting and sharing concerns with school staff,” he said.