School Safety Message (3/5/18)

Dear Leopard Family:

As stated in our School Safety Message last week, many school district throughout the state and in our area have received threats of some kind in recent weeks, and VVISD is not immune. Just last week, Van Vleck ISD was notified of three such threats. Two of these threats happened off campus, and the District learned of them via word of mouth and social media.  One threat was made on campus.

Van Vleck ISD takes any threat made against our district very seriously and always investigates each threat in coordination with local law enforcement. While we cannot reveal the identity of the individuals making these threats because of confidentiality laws, we can confirm that law enforcement has made arrests in connection with these threats.

Engaging in conduct that is considered a terroristic threat is a crime and punishable as a third degree felony if the person intends to disrupt a public school.  Anytime a threat is made, the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Department is notified and dispatched.  If a student who commits a terroristic threat, the consequences under the District’s Student Code of Conduct include placement in the District’s alternative disciplinary program or expulsion, in some circumstances..

Once again, I urge you to rely on official notifications from VVISD or other governmental entities to obtain information regarding emergencies or threats to our District.  Relying on unsubstantiated rumors on social media leads to confusion and unnecessary disruption to the students’ educational day and causes anxiety for our students, staff, and community. Due to recent events in Florida, I understand that everyone is concerned about the safety of our students and staff. I assure you, the safety of our students and staff is VVISD’s highest priority.  To that end, our District uses an emergency alert system to notify parents, staff, and stakeholders when actual emergencies exist. This is the same notification system we used during the Hurricane and flooding at the beginning of the school year. If you have never received an alert from our school alert system or for some reason you stop receiving our alerts, please contact the front office of your child's school and make sure the school has your correct contact information (especially update your cell phone number). 

Van Vleck ISD remains watchful for any threats and encourages everyone to report any concerns directly to your campus principals, district administration, or the Matagorda County Sheriff's Department.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (979)323-5006 or jobrien@vvisd.org.


John R. O’Brien

Superintendent of Schools