Accomack Superintendent responds to reports of failing to cooperate with local law enforcement

By Dr. Rhonda Hall

I am writing to clarify some misinformation which has been released to the media regarding my failure to cooperate with local law enforcement regarding a threat. First and foremost, the safety of the students, staff and families of Accomack County Public Schools is one of my top priorities. During the first year of my superintendency, I had metal detectors installed in all K-12 schools, requiring every child to walk through the metal detectors and have their bags checked each day. By the end of October, there will be two School Security Officers in each building. This will provide another layer of safety and protection for our students and staff. The front entrance doors will be secured by an SSO all day. Everyone who enters the building will go through the metal detectors, have their personal belongings that they bring into the building checked. All administrators at each building have been trained on how to conduct a threat assessment as required by Va. Code and have the knowledge to determine when and on whom the threat assessment is to be administered. All procedures and protocols are followed each time a threat is made.

Regarding the incident which took place on Monday, September 16, 2024, there is a lot of misinformation being reported on what happened. First, there was NOT A THREAT. In my efforts to be transparent, the following is a summary of what transpired. On Friday, September 13, 2024, two female students were having a heated discussion at a Friday night football game. The principal of the high school noticed that a student was upset and addressed the situation. Two other students observing the interaction had a conversation amongst themselves. One of the students watching made the comment that since the brother of one of the girls arguing was allegedly in a gang, he might come to shoot up the school. One of the girls chatted the same statement to another student who told his mother. The mother reached out to a teacher on Monday morning, September 16, 2024 via Facebook saying there might be a potential shooting at the school. As soon as the teacher received the message, the teacher and administrator attempted to reach the mother who came in the building as they were trying to reach her by phone. The student was immediately interviewed with his mom present by the principal and assistant principal. Two deputies dispatched to the school were also in the room and witnessed the interview. This same procedure was followed at the high school with the SRO present during the interview with the brothers of the young ladies who were arguing. It was concluded that there was NO THREAT. This investigation was the result of a distasteful conversation and false assumptions on the part of two students who were not involved whatsoever.

When I was contacted by the Coordinator of Student Support Services about the incident, I tried to be proactive because I know how kids spread rumors. I contacted the Sheriff and asked considering all the threats across Virginia, if officers who were in the vicinity of the schools could ride through the parking lots to give a presence of law enforcement monitoring the schools. I never asked for an investigation to be conducted since it had already been completed. I am sorry for the misinformation you have been
provided thus far through formal and informal media outlets which may have lead you to believe that I would not adhere to any safety mandates from the Department of Education.

When I was contacted by the State Superintendent and informed that Accomack County’s Sheriff had contacted the Senator, who contacted the Attorney General alleging that I had interfered in an investigation regarding a threat, I was devastated. The last thing I want is for citizens across Virginia to think that I am not making every effort to provide a safe learning environment for the students, staff and families of Accomack County Public Schools. I will admit that I was not aware that the Memorandum of Understanding between ACPS and the Sheriff’s office was supposed to be on our website. It never has been. However, when I found out, I immediately had it posted on our website.

Again, I am sorry that with all the good things happening in ACPS, such as the new Criminal Justice Program, the first NNDCC/JNROTC program, all schools accredited with attendance, and soon two School Security Officers to help provide a safe learning environment in each building to list a few; that this isolated incident is overshadowing all the good.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Yours for the Best Education,