Corby King, Director of Schools for Putnam County, Tennessee, addressed the recent wave of swatting calls and false threats targeting schools, including messages about potential bombs or guns on campus. These hoaxes have caused significant fear and anxiety among students, faculty, staff, and parents.

King emphasized that school safety remains the top priority and that the district is working closely with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and School Resource Officers (SROs), who respond quickly to each incident. While the calls appear to be part of a larger national hoax affecting schools across Tennessee and the country, the district is refusing to become complacent and continues to follow established safety protocols.

This includes promptly securing and locking down buildings before notifying parents, which can take a few minutes while staff take attendance and ensure student safety. King expressed gratitude to teachers and administrators for their outstanding work during these disruptions, as well as to law enforcement for their rapid response.

With only five full days of school remaining, the district plans to continue as scheduled, including celebrations and recognition events that students have earned after a successful year. Safety will stay at the forefront as the community works together with law enforcement, with hopes that those responsible for the hoax calls will be caught quickly.