LICKING HEIGHTS LOCAL SCHOOLS

6539 Summit Rd. SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 p. (740) 927-6926 | f. (740) 927-9043

RE: Updated Information Regarding Central Middle School Investigation

February 22, 2018

Dear Families:

As a follow up to my earlier voicemail and letter, additional evidence has been found regarding
today’s threat at Central Middle School. More specifically, this afternoon additional evidence
revealed threatening language, including racial hate speech. Although one student is in custody
from today’s incident, we are expanding the investigation to determine if an additional student(s)
is involved, prompted by the racially-charged overtones in these additional messages. While we
are cooperating with police, I want to share on behalf of the school district that threats against
students are taken seriously and also we do not tolerate racial hate speech.

Due to the continued investigation, Central Middle School will be closed to students tomorrow,
Fri., Feb. 23, but all staff are expected to report to work. On Friday, police and school district
officials will be at Central to continue the investigation. All other school buildings are following
a regular schedule on Friday.

We expect that Central Middle School will resume classes on Monday. Additional updates will
be provided regarding Monday’s schedule. In anticipation of Monday’s reopening, we will be
using this situation to engage students in discussions about the power of words and the impact of
one’s conduct. We continue our commitment to implement disciplinary and corrective action in
response to substantiated misconduct, including behavior that rises to the level of criminal
action.

We continue to reiterate that if you see something, say something. Students should report
any suspicious activity to a parent, teacher or trustworthy adult. During school hours,
parents should call their building’s office and provide as much detail as possible. The
SaferOH tip line (844-SaferOH/844-723-3764) is available 24 hours a day. Though social
media allows for information to be shared quickly, it is not the way to make a report to
the authorities.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Philip Wagner, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Licking Heights Local Schools

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