We live in such a different world today...
I was very excited to conclude the radio news 'job' today. Despite some late school closings in Fayetteville, NC today, I wrapped up producing news for my many markets by 11 a.m. I blasted away to enjoy a quiet 35 minute lunch 'moment.' Upon my return, I once again sat in front of my computer to type away. As I did, I scanned my 8 open screens...and read a comment from an area man on social media speaking to a former newspaper editor - unhappy that nobody was reporting about an "incident" in the Wellsville school system. Moments later, I picked up the telephone and called the Wellsville Police Department and was told "check your e-mail." Sure enough, there was a forwarded message from the school regarding 'a threat' made several days ago. According to the e-mail,
the District said "We took immediate action to investigate and referred the
matter to law enforcement. To date, we have not been able to determine that a
credible threat existed, however the investigation is continuing. At no time was the security of students in
jeopardy." Nothing has been posted on the school's website. Here's the thing....the community (apparently) knew, parents, or at least some knew...and they WERE concerned.
If the school district thought that news of this incident wouldn't spread until it "released" the info...it was sadly mistaken. The Wellsville district...and every other, needs to be open and immediate. After 35 years of doing this, I understand that most only want the good news released and will gamble with the unpleasant news; This is what I have discovered...the information will leak or get out...you can get in front of the story or spend days explaining after the fact. As I write this story, Buffalo TV media and others are already reporting it. When the District stated "At no time was the security of students in jeopardy," how did it know, if police were investigating?
My conclusion...when people are potentially in danger (especially if you don't know), don't keep it a secret - SHOUT IT.
YES...my opinion may be faulty. YES, police and the District may know more than what has been revealed publicly...but then again...how would a parent know? How would the community know? School districts and local governments need to drop 'the cone of silence,' when allowed by law. I'm just sayin...'
