Threat involving Ponderosa Elementary student ‘not credible,’ district says

The Bend-La Pine School District confirmed Monday that a violent threat made at Ponderosa Elementary School in the last two weeks was determined not to be credible.

“We do encounter situations like this, involving young students saying things, from time to time,” Bend-La Pine School District Director of Communications Scott Maben said in an email. “In every instance the district conducts a threat assessment to determine if the threat is credible, and if the student may pose a risk of harm to themself or others. We also work with law enforcement on any investigation that is needed. Typically, students this young do not understand the consequences of their choice of words when they may be reacting to feeling angry or frustrated.”

A parent took to social media on Monday, frustrated with the lack of communication from the district.  Maben said the district is aware of the social media post but could not respond because it involves student confidentiality.  The post claimed the threat was made by a first grader. Maben said some of the details in the social media post were inaccurate, but did not go into specifics.

Maben added the student’s family was contacted and that the school “took appropriate action,” but did not reveal what that action was.

(Disclosure: A Central Oregon Daily News employee has a family member at Ponderosa Elementary School.)