The parents of Athens Academy were alerted this morning that a student made an “inappropriate and scary” remark yesterday. This student has been removed from the private school’s campus and will remain out until the faculty can determine the next course of action. The Sheriff’s Office has determined that there is no threat at this time.
This alert comes less than a month after a state senator put forth a bill that would give superior courts the authority to try children who make “terroristic threats” involving schools as adults. The age of the Athens Academy student who made the remark was not released, but the proposed bill would apply to children ages 13 to 17. Senate Bill 61 currently has the support of 16 senators, including 15 Republicans and one Democrat. It is waiting for comment in the senate Judiciary Committee.
Athens Academy has assured parents that they are working closely with the Oconee County Sheriff’s office and Georgia State Patrol to investigate the matter and keep the campus safe. The Head of the School also reminded parents that children and parents are encouraged to report anything suspicious they may see or hear.
Athens Academy is an underwriter for WUGA.