Vermont schools plagued by threats respond together

(AP) — Vermont educators have been struggling with how to respond to threats made against schools, with the top priority of ensuring student safety, educating students about the dangers of threats and working with law enforcement to respond when threats do come.

In a memo to school leaders last winter after a spate of robocall threats across the country, including Vermont, state Education Secretary Rebecca Holcombe said it was an opportunity for schools to review emergency procedures.

Vermont school officials have learned to work with local law enforcement to respond appropriately to the threats, and schools have done a good job educating students that making threats or pulling the fire alarm isn't acceptable, Evans said.