NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Superintendents from 13 school divisions in Hampton Roads issued a joint statement addressing safety after threats were made against several schools and police made several arrests.
Superintendents from Chesapeake, Franklin, Hampton, Isle of Wight County, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Southampton County, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg-James City County, and York County put their names on the letter.
The statement began by referencing the deadly school shooting that took place in Broward County, Florida on Valentine's Day, noting: "...we all have experienced a wide range of emotions from shock and sorrow to anger that something like this could happen. Schools are a place where children deserve to learn free from fear."
The letter also stressed the importance of the community to be involved in the effort to report threats and the consequences that can come when a threat, even an unfounded one, is made.
Shortly before its close, the statement noted: "Working together at school and at home, we can and will make a difference for our children and our community."