Dallas K–12 Districts Receive Violent Threats After Outlet Mall Shooting

Two Dallas school districts received threats of violence recently following a shooting at Allen Premium Outlets over the weekend in Dallas, Texas, according to local news.

Plano ISD received reports of a general threat on social media on Monday, May 8, that wasn’t geared toward any particular school or district. “Plano ISD takes all threats seriously, and our district safety and security personnel have notified the Plano Police Department regarding this rumor,” said a district email. “While no credible threat has been identified, Plano ISD follows all district policies and practices to safeguard our students and schools and has a number of safety features and practices in place on each campus to help prevent and mitigate incidents.”

Similarly, Frisco ISD became aware of a threat made via social media on Sunday, May 7, according to local news. According to a district email, a secondary school was the target of the threat, but all district schools would be taking steps toward extra precautions and that all absences on May 8 would be excused.

“After this past weekend’s events at the Allen Premium Outlets and Stonebriar Mall, we understand that safety concerns are high in our community, especially when it comes to our students,” said the email from Dr. Mike Waldrip, Frisco ISD Superintendent. “Frisco ISD supports the Frisco Police Department’s full prosecution of any individual that threatens harm to our students, staff, and campuses.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning and Campus Security and Life Safety. He can be reached at [email protected]

Featured

  • Black Hills State University Takes an Open, Scalable Approach to Video Security

    Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure. Read Now

  • Pennsylvania School Uses Locked, Rolling Security Grille to Control Spectators, Secure Building

    St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8. Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. Read Now

  • Fire-Rated Glazing Assemblies Modernize Academic and Social Hub

    In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community. Read Now

  • Access Control Trends Continue to Strengthen School Safety Security

    Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan. Read Now

Webinars