Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members,
Our schools are built on trust, transparency, and genuine partnership. Since I arrived, our district has made it an absolute priority to communicate openly, honestly, and quickly with you. We learned about this information in the group chat tonight. We want to be clear about what has transpired since, how we responded, and how we must move forward together.
Around 7 p.m., we learned about a possible threat made within a private group chat of more than 40 students.
While Dr. Kunz and I investigated, compiled names, identified locations, and shared verified details directly with law enforcement, screenshots and fragmented accounts rapidly spread across social media.
Over the next three and a half hours, we continued providing police with student information to support the investigation.
The police also fielded calls and completed in-depth interviews, and following that work, I would like to share the following update directly from law enforcement:
There is no credible threat
There is no active plan
It stemmed from A conversation overheard regarding previously known events that were investigated and concluded to be unfounded
That overheard conversation then became a classic game of the rumor mill via a group chat
As such, New Richmond Exempted Village Schools will operate on a normal schedule on Friday, November 6, 2026. Our elevated police presence will continue to show of support for the students and a sign of how seriously we take these accusations regarding their safety.
Some of you may choose to keep your child home. We ask all parents to do whatever they feel is best for their children.
However, per Ohio Revised Code 3321.191, these absences WILL count toward the state’s definition of chronic absenteeism. Ohio does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences when determining which students are considered chronically absent, and NREVSD must follow state law.
In today's digital landscape, information circulates instantly. When a safety concern arises, we cannot react to unverified claims online; our legal and moral duty is to act deliberately, protect student confidentiality, and work hand in hand with police to keep our campuses secure.
Real safety is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the school day. We will do everything within our power to investigate these claims as they arise, but prevention starts at home.
Monitor personal devices and group chats: The choices students make in private online spaces directly affect their emotional and physical well-being. Please regularly check the apps, group texts, and platforms your children use outside of school.
Talk with your children: Remind students that digital footprints are permanent and that digital actions carry real-world weight and consequences.
Mental health matters: Events like these can be extremely stressful and possibly bring up painful memories for students, parents and staff alike. NREVSD has counselors, therapists and other professionals available in all of our buildings for those in need. 988 is also a 24/7 mental health crisis text line with even more resources available.
Our commitment to keeping you informed has not changed. We ask for your patience, your partnership, and your vigilance as we work together to keep our students safe, supported, and focused on learning.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our schools and community.
Sincerely,
Paul Daniels, NREVSD Superintendent