Social Media Threat Toward Stephens County Schools Deemed “Not Credible” After Investigation

At 12:25 a.m. this morning, Sept. 9, Stephens County School Superintendent Dr. Connie Franklin notified WNEG News that yesterday evening, Sept. 8, school system administration was made aware of a picture copied from the internet and shared on social media with a threat towards Stephens County Schools.

According to information from Franklin, an investigation by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office determined that this was not a credible threat.

Franklin, in a press release posted to the School System’s Social Media page on Facebook, stated, “While not credible, we wanted to make you aware of the situation and remind everyone that all threats will be investigated and taken seriously. Parents, please help us by monitoring your students’ social media accounts. Students who make threats verbally or on social media will face school disciplinary consequences and criminal charges.”

Stephens County Schools will operate on a normal schedule today, September 9, and local law enforcement will providing an increased presence at all schools out of an abundance of caution, Franklin said, adding that “The safety of our students and employees is our top priority.”