School Board Approves Crisis Plan, Creates Tip Line

The Board of Education approved improvements to the district's crisis plan, including a new tip line.

“There was a weakness in the way parents couldn’t let the district know about concerns,” Superintendent Kathryn Powers said. By creating a new tip line, parents and students can report safety concerns to the district.

If there is a concern or threat to report, it can be done anonymously by dialing 330-486-CALL (or 330-486-2255).

“This is for concerns regarding a rumor or something on Facebook that they are worried about and want the district to follow up on,” Assistant Superintendent Mike Lenzo said.

Administrators hope people using the line will provide the following information:

• The date and time of the threat or concern.
• Which specific school was mentioned, if any.
• The names of people involved to ensure the claim is factual.

While callers aren't required to report their own information, administrators encourage them to do so to help the district follow through more accurately.

Board member Stephen Shebeck suggested the tip line, realizing there wasn’t a way for people to anonymously report threats and concerns to the district.

Board President Ron Stuver said the district has had an effective crisis plan in place for a while, but they decided to review the plan again last fall--.