Taylor Independent School District is addressing all aspects surrounding claims of a threat made at Taylor Middle School last week, including the possibility that the juvenile may have been bullied.
“Even as a response to bullying, if a child says something that makes other kids and parents have fear of harm or their safety at school, it will still be addressed very seriously, because there is never an excuse for making anyone feel like they have a serious safety fear at school on any day,” Devin Padavil, Taylor ISD superintendent said.
Still the district takes every bullying situation or threat seriously.
“Bullying is not tolerated,” Padavil said. “When it is reported to us, it is our expectation that it is addressed in the most serious manner possible.”
On Aug. 25, a teenager from Taylor Middle School was arrested after he was allegedly heard saying he was going to “shoot up” the locker room.
“Anytime a student makes a comment that creates alarm amongst the student body or staff, we can automatically expect that they are removed from school, pending an investigation,” said Padavil. “It is always highly likely they will see a disciplinary placement that keeps them out of the classroom and school activities.”
Police do not have a motive, and no weapons were found on the student at the time of the arrest. In response to the situation, several people took to social media to express concern about the possibility of bullying, which could have led to the alleged threat. Social media posts suggested counseling between all of the students involved, along with conversations with police and coaches.
Depending on the circumstances, the result of bullying can result in in-school suspension, out of school suspension and alternative school placement. “There is a wide range of bullying. Messing with me in class, teasing me. It can escalate so far to be on social media or cell phones and making someone have an unpleasant experience at school. That’s not okay with us,” Padavil said. Students are encouraged to report bullying when it happens. The district has developed a technology app to report things like bullying.
“We know a lot of kids may be hesitant to directly report to a staff member,” Padavil said.
Although not all students have a cell phone, he said staff members check on students and reiterate the importance of reporting bullying.
“We want to give students multiple avenues to talk to us about something that is going on so that we can take care of issues we may not know about,” he said.
Parents should contact the district administration if their child is being bullied. Padavil said they will receive a response the same day.
“We don’t want a kid going a single day thinking, ‘I got this other kid messing with me,’” he said. “We are responsible for growing every child in Taylor ISD. We have to administer consequences and help every child here grow into the men and women they are meant to be.”
