Threat made at GRHS

An alleged threat made at Green River High School resulted in disciplinary action and was investigated according to Superintendent of Sweetwater County School District No. 2 Craig Barringer.

Barringer issued a press release regarding a comment made by a student at GRHS and the actions following the incident Tuesday afternoon. He said anytime the district is made aware of a potential threat, the top priority is to ensure the students and staff are safe. The district works with the Green River Police Department and follows a series of protocols to fully investigate the threat.

Those protocols consist of contacting the GRPD; locating the potential threat; and coordinating with officers to conduct interviews, searches, and other necessary actions. The GRPD also may conduct a home search and interview parents along with other actions. As the threat of imminent danger is ruled out, a school psychologist completes a risk assessment to determine any actions the district would need to take. As additional information is collected, the student will face disciplinary actions, which can include expulsion from the school.

In an email exchange with the Green River Star, Barringer said the threat was made at the beginning of last week with the comments reported and dealt with as soon as they were made. He also said GRHS was not locked down following the threat. He was unable to answer further questions, citing the student’s confidentiality through Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations.

Parents received an email from GRHS Principal Darren Heslep Tuesday morning addressing concerns about the incident and informing them of an increased GRPD presence at the school.

“Our efforts are focused on addressing the issue to enhance student safety by following the safety protocols established by our district’s crisis management plan,” Heslep wrote. “We have asked the police to increase their presence to help put people at ease knowing they are here to help us ensure students and staff feel safe.”