Threat prompts reassurance of Maumelle High principal

— At a time when educators and parents are on edge about student safety as a result of the killings in Connecticut, a possible threat to Maumelle High School caused Principal Becky Guthrie to offer reassurances to parents Tuesday by way of an automated phone message.

Guthrie told parents at the nearly 1,000-student school that she, her staff and police were working aggressively to protect students at the campus after one teen — who is not currently attending the school — was accused of threatening others.

“I want to assure you that we are aware of this situation,” Guthrie said in the automated phone message that went to the parents. “Students making any type of threat have been [caught].”

Guthrie said the school has added police and security officer protection this week, which is the last week before school is dismissed for the Christmas vacation. The extra police and security are to ensure safety and relieve student anxiety, information from the school said.

Deborah Roush, a spokesman for the Pulaski County Special School District, said there were a lot of rumors in the community and that the principal wanted “to set the record straight” as best she could with the phone call but without going into detail about the specific student.

Roush said the student will be recommended for expulsion. Roush said she did not believe that the threats to Maumelle High were prompted by the killings in Connecticut.

Front Section, Pages 5 on 12/19/2012

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