The Berkeley County School District is grappling with an alarming rise in threats this school year, leaving parents terrified about their children’s safety. The district has already investigated four threats, with one occurring just this past Wednesday, sparking an outpouring of concern from parents.
“You don’t know what to do, but every day your children leave you think, ‘What if?’” Berkeley County parent Amanda Bird tearfully shared, echoing the growing fear among families. Another parent, Dani Freeman, expressed her dread: “I let them out of the car in the morning and make sure I tell them I love them. Hug them harder because I’m scared that’s going to be the last day I see her.”
Berkeley County School District’s Director of Security and Emergency Management, Tim Knight, confirmed that this is the most threats he’s seen at this point in a school year, though none have been deemed credible so far. However, the district maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any threats, with Knight emphasizing, “Our attitude towards those threats is zero tolerance.”
Moncks Corner Police Chief Stephen Young revealed that they charged a 12-year-old in connection with a threat posted on social media about a shooting at Berkeley Middle School on Monday. “We treat every threat as an actual threat and as a credible threat,” Young said, noting that the student will face charges in family court.
The Berkeley County School District suspended the student and is investigating three other threats, including one against Cane Bay High School that has drawn the FBI’s involvement. Despite these efforts, parents are demanding more security measures, including metal detectors and backpack checks.
“Metal detectors in, up security, check the backpacks,” urged Freeman, reflecting the anxious sentiment of many parents. Bird added, “I do think parents should probably be held accountable.”
Though the district has increased law enforcement presence, they have no immediate plans to implement metal detectors or additional screenings. Instead, Knight urged parents to stay informed via school emails and discuss social media use with their children. He emphasized the importance of being proactive: “We can always do better. Safety is never satisfied.”
Despite the district’s efforts, parents like Freeman remain fearful. “The fact of the matter is every parent I talk to – we’re scared,” she said. “Do we keep our kids home? Do we send them to school? Do we keep them home because we’re scared and overreacting? And do we send them to school for them to be shot up the next day?”
The Berkeley County School District continues to urge anyone who sees a threatening post or behavior to report it immediately to law enforcement, stressing that safety remains their top priority.