Dear Lexington One Employees and Families,

Unfortunately, once again, two of our schools were mentioned in threats communicated via the StopIt anonymous incident reporting app. Today’s messages did not originate from South Carolina but came from multiple states across the country and referenced River Bluff High and White Knoll High. 

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read this safety update. It is a long email, but it contains important information that we want to share with the entire Lexington One family.

Similar threats impacting schools around the state

Other school districts around the state, including Barnwell 45, have dealt with threats like this in the past two weeks. According to media reports, Barnwell High School received five bomb threats in less than two weeks, and those are believed to have come from Texas and California.

The messages we received today are similar in nature, and there is a low probability that this is a credible threat. School and district administrators, however, are working with law enforcement to thoroughly investigate and to take the necessary precautions. Law enforcement and school/district administrators searched River Bluff High and White Knoll High today but did not have to disrupt classes.

Our response

Lexington One administrators are extremely concerned and disappointed that systems put in place to help keep schools safe are being used to cause disruptions and to interfere with our ability to provide safe and nurturing environments for our students and employees. 

We truly want to find who is responsible and hold them accountable and we appreciate the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and the Lexington Police Department working closely with us to do that. Anyone with information that may help with the investigation is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIMESC (274-6372) or online at https://www.888crimesc.com/ .

Consequences for making threats against schools

While the threats communicated using the StopIt app are still under investigation, other investigations have resulted in students being charged. 

It is imperative for students to understand the severe consequences of communicating any threat against a school. In the past few weeks, multiple students, including some in Lexington One, have faced serious criminal charges as well as recommendations for expulsion from school. 

We all have important roles to play in keeping our schools safe including reminding our students that a social media post/message or text message is not worth these life-altering consequences.

I know this one message cannot ease all of the concerns of our students, employees and families. Hopefully, however, it will help reassure the Lexington One family that district leaders are on constant alert, we're doing everything proactively that experts believe will make a difference, and we're dealing aggressively with those responsible to the fullest extent of the law, regulations and policy.

Sincerely,

Dr. Gerrita Postlewait
Superintendent
Lexington County School District One