MONROE COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT MARK PORTER ADDRESSES DISTRICT EMPLOYEES A WEEK AFTER THE TRAGIC SHOOTING IN PARKLAND

MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – Superintendent Mark Porter addressed district employees Friday, to thank them for outstanding efforts in the wake of the tragedy in Broward County.

Mr. Porter took the opportunity to address events taking place in Monroe County Schools in the past week, which included a meeting with various stakeholder organizations. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Key West Police Department, State Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lower Keys Medical Center – dePoo Hospital, were the participating organizations.

Officials discussed current district work in safety and security and areas in need of improvement. Mr. Porter said the discussion also focused on the following:  gun laws/restrictions, school security – both the facility and personnel, and juvenile mental health services.  He added, the topic discussed the most had to do with the lack of mental health rehabilitation services for students who deal with mental health challenges.

District officials addressed several incidents in schools, as “copycat” threats have been surfacing throughout the state and country:

  • Marathon Middle/High Schools was the purported target of an online threat last Saturday, the date of the All-County Band Clinic and Concert taking place at MMHS.  The threat was promptly investigated and there was good communication between MCSD and MCSO personnel.  The concert went on as scheduled, with additional security present and the perpetrator was identified and apprehended.  He was a former MHS student and is currently facing felony charges.
  • Coral Shores High School had an on campus verbal threat of use of a firearm.  The student responsible was promptly identified and interviewed.  In addition, a vehicle search was undertaken that revealed a non-firearm weapon.  This student will be properly disciplined, up to and including expulsion, and may be subject to further legal consequences.
  • Key West Collegiate Academy addressed a student verbal and text threat situation that occurred off campus.  A report was made to KWPD, which was properly investigated and appropriate actions taken with regard to the offending student.  A second, alleged verbal threat incident was handled by the building principal.
  • Horace O’Bryant School was made aware of an off-campus online Snapchat post made by a 7th grade student that articulated a threat against one of her friends.  This threat was also promptly investigated and the student responsible has been isolated and restricted from school, is receiving appropriate counseling, but will also face both further school and possibly legal consequences for her behavior.
  • Plantation Key School reported that they provided counseling efforts to a couple of students who were conversing inappropriately about school shootings and what could happen at their school.  Though no real threat was expressed, the situation was taken seriously and addressed.
  • Key Largo School reported a couple of incidents, one involving an elementary student and a second involving a 7th grade student.  One was with regard to alleged non-specific threats and the other was with regard to a student led demonstration.  Both were resolved by the school administration.
  • Several schools have experienced various forms of student expression on this emotional topic.  All have been conducted respectfully and with minimal disruption to learning in their school.  School leaders continue to work with students for a more effective way (other than walkouts) to have their voice heard.

Mr. Porter recounted a lock down his family in Minnesota had to participate in due to “copycat” threats spreading nationwide. “For me this came even a little closer to home when my son, a high school math teacher, and 2nd grade granddaughter were in a lock down mode at their Minnesota schools for over five hours earlier this week,” Mr. Porter said in the letter to employees.

The superintendent also addressed his efforts to reach out to parents in light of the increased threats and emphasized the need for parents and guardians to practice proactive monitoring of student internet and social media use at home. “Based on the online nature of many of the reported threats, I am also reaching out to parents to set aside any perceived “right to privacy” and to monitor the online activities of their children.  This alone can be a tremendously effective preventative measure.”

District officials said they will continue to work diligently with staff, students and their families, and the community to ensure student safety and security.

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