A threatening message recently was sent to a Fox C-6 School District Board of Education member and the member’s family, board president Judy Smith said at the start of the school board meeting on Tuesday evening (Feb. 1).
Smith said the meeting was held virtually because of the threat. Typically, board meetings are held in person at the Fox C-6 Service Center, 849 Jeffco Blvd., in Arnold.
“It is with great sadness and disappointment that I have to say due to a very nasty, serious and dangerous threat to a board member and their family, some board members felt this was the safest way to meet for that board member and the patrons who would have attended the meeting,” Smith said at the meeting. “We certainly do not like to meet in this manner. We would prefer to be in person with you all in attendance also. We thank you for your patience and understanding. We look forward to being back in the service center Feb. 15.”
Today (Feb. 2), the district issued a written statement that said, “Out of respect for the privacy of everyone involved, the district will not be providing details regarding the personal threats sent by a member of the public. The district prioritizes the safety and security of our community, including our students, staff, and school leaders. The district has taken action to address this situation as the process moves through the legal system.”
However, spokesmen for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Arnold Police Department said this morning that neither agency had received a report about the threat from the district or the board member who was threated.
JP Prezzavento, Fox’s communication and instructional technology coordinator, said the district would not say what law enforcement agency the threat was reported to.
In the statement about the threat, Fox officials said the decision to hold Tuesday’s meeting virtually was made internally. The statement went on to say, “The district does not tolerate threats of physical violence and will continue to take necessary actions to respect the rights of our students and staff to work and learn in an environment free from disruption or fear.”
Board member Jim Chellew said today that he would not identify the board member who was threatened.
“A threat against one board member is a threat against all board members,” he said. “It is something that absolutely cannot be tolerated. Public servants can’t work in that kind of environment. It is disappointing we are at a level that whether we require a mask at a school or not, it leads to that kind of response from any community member.”
The Leader also contacted board members Carole Yount, Vicki Hanson and April Moeckel today, and they would not comment about the matter. Messages were left for Smith and the remaining board members, Krystal Hargis and Michelle Chamberlain, and they had not been returned by 1:40 p.m. today.
Fox’s next board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the service center.