Threat Assessment Team

2023–2024 District Threat Assessment Teams

Elementary School Threat Assessment Team

• Act 44 Safety & Security Administrator: John Rushefski
• Elementary Principal: Brent Soden
• Elementary School Counselor: Beth Davis
• K–12 Crisis Counselor: Tammy Stone
• Lanesboro Police Officer: Jim Smith
• School Nurse: Elizabeth Matis
• Juvenile Probation Representative: Lisa Vail
• Special Education Supervisor: Elizabeth Shivock
• Scranton Counseling Center Representative: Alyssa Dooley
• School Psychologist: Tim Borick

High School Threat Assessment Team

• Act 44 Safety & Security Administrator: John Rushefski
• High School Principal: Richard Emmons
• High School Counselor: Bridget Milos
• K–12 Crisis Counselor: Tammy Stone
• Lanesboro Police Officer: Jim Smith
• School Nurse: Elizabeth Matis
• Juvenile Probation Representative: Lisa Vail
• Special Education Supervisor: Elizabeth Shivock
• Scranton Counseling Center Representative: Alyssa Dooley
• School Psychologist: Tim Borick

SCSD Threat Assessment Protocols

Reporting a Threat

Students are encouraged to report any threats directly to a school employee. When possible, reports should be made to the building principal or school counselor.

Threats can also be reported anonymously through the Safe2Say Something system:

• Website: www.safe2saypa.org
• Phone: 1-844-723-2729

Threat Assessment Teams

Each school in the district has a designated Threat Assessment Team trained to evaluate and respond to potentially serious threats. Team members typically include:

• Building Principal
• School Counselor
• School Nurse
• School Psychologist
• Special Education Supervisor
• Law Enforcement Representative
• Mental Health Agency Representative
• Act 44 Safety & Security Coordinator
• Juvenile Probation Officer

Threat Assessment Process

Once a threat is reported to the building principal or a member of the Threat Assessment Team, the following steps are taken:

1. Initial Evaluation: The Threat Assessment Team reviews the reported threat.
2. Threat Classification: The threat is categorized as either:
   • Transient: A non-credible or non-serious threat that does not pose a real danger.
   • Substantive: A credible threat of harm made verbally, in writing, or electronically.
3. Response to Transient Threats: Addressed through disciplinary actions and/or counseling.
4. Response to Substantive Threats: Further classified as serious or very serious. This may involve:
   • Notifying law enforcement, mental health agencies, and parents
   • Creating a safety plan if necessary

Throughout the process, the Threat Assessment Team works closely with law enforcement, mental health agencies, and families. Witness interviews may also be conducted as part of the evaluation.