A Franklin High School student is facing juvenile charges of communicating a threat of mass violence on educational property.
According to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday afternoon, Franklin High School administration “received information that a student made a threat of violence against the school.”
After an interview, the student was charged as a minor. No further information was 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,” MCSO stated on Monday.
This incident is not related to the one from Thursday, Sept. 6, when several screenshots circulated on social media caused a stir.
“After speaking with law enforcement officials in both Rabun County, Georgia, and Gwinnett County, Georgia, it was determined that threats made on social media were targeted towards Franklin County, Georgia, and to our knowledge, not towards Franklin, North Carolina,” MCSO stated.
MCSO said they were providing extra security at Franklin area schools on Friday. The Franklin varsity football game against Swain County on Friday night at FHS had a noticeably higher police presence.
MCSO said the two incidents were not related. Macon County Schools and MCSO encouraged parents/guardians to speak with their kids 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,” MCSO stated.
The strife and insecurity came after the Wednesday, Sept. 4, deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia, roughly 100 miles south of Franklin. Two teachers and two students were killed and nine others were wounded. A 14-year-old student is charged with four counts of felony murder and his father is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
Superintendent Josh Lynch addressed the shooting in Winder in a letter that went out Monday. “As a former teacher and principal, as well as a parent of students in our school system, a tragedy such as this reminds me that our children and our educators are precious gifts. As superintendent of schools, I am reminded of the importance of keeping our schools safe,” Lynch wrote.
The superintendent said Macon County Schools will work with its school administrative teams to revisit processes and procedures surrounding vigilance and access to school buildings and grounds. Additionally, he said they will communicate with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands Police Department, Franklin Police Department and the N.C. Highway Patrol who regularly visit the schools.
“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,” Lynch said.
He said throughout the week there will be a focus on supporting students and staff. School counselors, social workers, and psychologists are available to assist those who may need support or have questions.
“Please monitor your child’s mood and behavior and reach out to a professional if you need help,” Lynch said. “Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. We must continue working together so that our students feel the care and concern we have for them, and they recognize the importance placed on their health, well-being, and safety.”