Communicating with Families

While an investigation is conducted by law enforcement or the Boulder Valley School District, we are often limited on what information we may release.

Why

Avoiding Obstruction: Under Colorado law (Statute 18-8-102), we must be sure not to interfere with law enforcement or their investigation.

Police or school administrators may limit what information can be released, especially early on during an investigation, to ensure fidelity in the interviews conducted with those involved. 

Sharing of certain details may hinder investigators ability to gather facts and prosecute. If the district or school personnel share information not authorized for release they may face criminal charges.

Due Process: We believe in providing those involved a fair opportunity for the facts to be gathered and for their rights to be respected. It can often take time for accurate information to emerge. Releasing information prematurely can have serious, long-lasting impacts for those involved.

What you need to know

We understand that a lack of information can heighten concerns for parents and staff. 

BVSD is committed to working with our partners to provide as much information as we can, without compromising the investigation. This may mean providing updates with additional information, as we are able to do so and as more information is released.

The district is committed to immediately take action to protect students, staff and the school community and to communicate with involved parents and staff.

Additionally, when an investigation concludes we provide the outcome and any other releasable information to those involved. Depending on the situation, some of those details may be shared with parents, staff and the public.

BVSD takes all reported threats to our schools seriously. We work with our partners in law enforcement to determine each report’s credibility as soon as possible by evaluating evidence, conducting interviews and gathering other intelligence. During this process we may be limited regarding what we share with the public.

Why

Avoiding Obstruction: Under Colorado law (Statute 18-8-102), we must be sure not to interfere with law enforcement or their investigation.

Police or school administrators may limit what may be released, especially early on during an investigation, to ensure fidelity in the interviews conducted with those involved. Sharing of certain details may hinder investigators ability to gather facts and prosecute. If the district or school personnel share information not authorized for release they may face criminal charges.

Furthering non-credible information: Sometimes, especially in the case of rampant rumors, the decision is made not to share specifics of the reported threat, because law enforcement has determined that it is not credible and amplifying the rumors tends to be counter-productive – helping to only further and strengthen unwarranted concerns. For example, if the rumored attack was to happen at a specific date and time that may not be shared, if law enforcement determined the threat to be unfounded – because the rumors could still stir unnecessary concern and then absences. 

Due Process: We believe in providing those involved a fair opportunity for the facts to be gathered and for their rights to be respected. It can often take time for accurate information to emerge. Releasing information prematurely can have serious, long-lasting impacts for those involved.

What you need to know

When we learn about a threat against our schools, we work as quickly as possible to determine if the threat is credible and to take actions to protect students.

A credible threat is considered one in which the suspect has the intent, means and opportunity to carry out a threat. In those situations you can count on BVSD to inform you, share as much information as we can, including what, if any, actions should be taken immediately.

In some cases investigators are able to ascertain that there is no credibility or substance to the threat and therefore regular activities should continue, as normal. 

Often following an incident, the Boulder Valley School District and its schools are limited in sharing details regarding the students involved, as well as any consequences they might face. 

For this reason, parent letters or statements to the media from the district only say something like: “the student(s) involved will face appropriate disciplinary action.”

Why

Federal Law: A student’s identity and disciplinary information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA designates disciplinary records as "education records," meaning they are subject to privacy protections and generally require parental or eligible student consent for release.

Rehabilitation: Additionally, schools are meant to be a place where students learn and grow. That includes giving students an appropriate space to make mistakes, learn from them and to improve – something that can be made harder when the information is public and students involved are subjected to public attention and, in some cases, ridicule.

Protections for juveniles in the criminal system: In situations where a student faces criminal charges, the charges may be shared publicly by law enforcement and, therefore, the school district. Often, however, information about juveniles, including their identity, is sealed by the courts.

What you need to know

Safety is always a top priority in BVSD. While we may not be able to share details, know that we are committed to taking actions to support students involved and provide protection to all in the school community. 

Employees may go on leave for a wide variety of reasons and they may leave, temporarily or permanently. In some of these situations they may leave with little to no warning. Often we are limited in what we can share about the reason for the absence or how long the employee will be out.

Why

Privacy: While we understand the interest to know more, especially when someone we depend on and care about is away, we believe that they should be afforded some privacy. 

Legal Rights: This can be especially important when an employee is dealing with a health concern – as they have rights under several laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Due Process: It is also a factor during an investigation, where everyone should have a fair opportunity for the facts to be gathered and for their rights to be respected. It can often take time for accurate information to emerge. Releasing information prematurely can have serious, long-lasting impacts for those involved.

What you need to know

Our goal is to first-and-foremost support students and their families throughout any employee absences and transitions. While information about the employee and their absence may be limited, we are committed to providing as much information as possible regarding the day-to-day learning.