Four separate threats have been made on two Sheboygan area schools since the start of the school year. Manitowoc Public Schools Superintendent Mark Holzman spoke with SeehaferNews.com, telling us these threats have him concerned two-fold. “My first thought is, you’re always concerned about the safety and well-being of the students,” Holzman said. “We also know that it’s our responsibility to make sure students and our community know that there is no joke about making threats to schools.”
Three threats have been made against Sheboygan South High School and just this week a student allegedly made comments threatening Sheboygan Falls Middle School which eventually started making the rounds on social media, which can be helpful and a hindrance. Holzman explained saying that the positive aspect is that social media can help get the word out quickly, but people will tell pieces and parts of the story that may or may not be true. Holzman wanted to reiterate that “as soon as we are able to, we are going to send information and communicate the things that are emergency in nature.”
Another threat was also targeted at Notre Dame High School in Green Bay. Holzman says that unfortunately, this behavior has become more prevalent in recent years including Manitowoc. Aided by School Safety grants from the State Department of Justice, the Manitowoc Public School District has redesigned school entrances, added a new visitor management system and incorporated safety training for this school year and beyond.
The MPSD Superintendent adds “the days of leaving doors and windows open to allow fresh air in school facilities is over.” He goes on to say “Our students need to know that there is “zero tolerance” for that (school threats) and there will be consequences for their actions taken by the school(s) and to the full extent of the law.”
Mark Holzman recently released information on the safety improvements made at Manitowoc Public Schools. For more information CLICK HERE.
