Monday night’s school board meeting was one of a different aspect than normal. With the threat that Clay Middle School has recently received, the school board welcomed concerned parents to attend the meeting and if they wanted to speak, be put on the agenda so they could ask their questions and express their concerns.
There were about 100+ concerned parents/guardians in attendance looking for answers. Many had the same questions as the others, several had questions regarding protocols and how things are to be handled if this situation ever occurs again, or in a different but similar situation.
The school board members were very willing to answer questions to the best of their ability, along with the Clay detachment of state police, Sgt. Keefer. Since the investigation is still very active, there are very few details that are allowed to be given. Superintendent Tanner explained that this threat was thought to have been planned as early as of December. Tanner then explained that everything was being done to protect the children in school to the best of their ability.
Several teachers and staff in Clay county schools spoke and assured the parents in attendance that if anything would ever happen, they would go above and beyond protocols to do everything to protect the children at school.
Amber Bass, a staff member at Clay High explained that there were many safety precautions that are taken on a daily basis that ensure the kids safety to their fullest ability. Sheriff Garrett Samples spoke as well and asked that there be better communication so that his deputies know what they would be walking into with regard to the situation in question.
The school board meeting proceeded without arguments, although many details were not given due to the ongoing investigation, answers were still given to many of the parent’s questions.
Unfortunately, with the large crowd, it was hard to hear everything that was said and all the questions that were asked/answered. If you have any questions of your own or concerns, you may contact the Board of Education to speak with superintendent Kenneth Tanner and he will be glad to speak with you.