Important Message from Superintendent of Schools

This message was sent to parents and families of Citrus County Public Schools on February 20, 2018.

You can CLICK HERE to listen to message or read below.

Good evening:

This is Sam Himmel, Superintendent of Schools.  I am calling you today regarding the district recently receiving several calls inquiring about the safety of children in our schools. The tragic event that occurred at a school in South Florida, last week certainly is cause for  great concern. In the aftermath of this event we have unfortunately dealt with several situations regarding students making inappropriate statements and false threats in some of our schools. I want to assure you that we take student safety very seriously and all threats, regardless of their context, will be thoroughly investigated.  These threats often include verbal statements from students, messages on social media, written notes left in classrooms and sometimes a written message left on a bathroom wall.  The school district works very closely with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office to investigate all threats. 

Students that engage in this type of behavior may face criminal charges and they will certainly face SEVERE school discipline. We want you to know that we work quickly to resolve these issues as they arise. In an effort to minimize the frequency of this type of behavior we do not publicize most of these situations. If the district were to receive a credible threat of violence please know we would immediately take all appropriate actions to protect your child.  These actions would most definitely include notifying all parents and guardians.

Please be aware in light of recent events, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office may have an increased presence on our school campus’.  This is being done to put students and staff at ease and is NOT in response to any specific threat.

If you have any concerns regarding something you have heard or possibly seen regarding school safety I encourage you to contact your child’s Principal or you can contact our Director of Student Services Mrs.  Allegretta at 726-1931 ext. 6304 or Director of Risk Management Mrs. Cernich at 726-1931 ext. 2270.

Comments Off on Important Message from Superintendent of Schools
Filed under: News & Updates