For the second time this month, Principal Ms. Erin Campbell issued a safety notice to the Westwood community on Thursday, Sept. 15 regarding repeated threats made in the form of graffiti and weapon imagery in the D-wing hallway bathroom. The pep rally scheduled for today, Friday, Sept. 16, has been canceled in light of a heightened focus on security, and students and faculty will remain in their 5th block classes for the duration of Flex time. Officers from the Austin Police Department (APD) along with four additional RRISD Student Resource Officers (SROs) are on campus to aid in the ongoing investigation. 

“When the administration is made aware of a threat, the Round Rock ISD police department is immediately involved,” Ms. Campbell said. “There is often very little [information] that the administration can share with students, faculty, and the community.”

As the investigation is ongoing, Ms. Campbell urges the community to continue to be observant and report any new information that may come to light.

“One of the things I value most and wish to continually foster is our sense of community at Westwood. That sense of community was evident [yesterday] in the number of people who embraced the ‘see something, say something’ philosophy. I am very grateful for that,” Ms. Campbell said. 

While community members seek further clarification concerning campus safety, administrative communication must remain aligned with district procedures.

“I always want to communicate as proactively as possible, but when what I can communicate is minimal, that can lead to increased community frustration.  It’s a Catch-22 situation. I will always communicate as much information as I am allowed to,” Ms. Campbell said. “I’m real intent on finding out who this person is.”

Any individuals with additional information are encouraged to report it through the district’s Anonymous Reporting System. 

UPDATE Monday, Sept. 19, 9:20 p.m.: After four days of investigation by the administration and the RRISD police department, Ms. Campbell released two notices to the community on Monday, Sept. 19 concerning the current safety situation. On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the administration has chosen to enhance safety measures by screening student backpacks and providing increased police presence. According to Ms. Campbell’s most recent email to parents and RRISD staff, a student has been identified as the perpetrator of the threat.

“The threat has been mitigated at this time,” Ms. Campbell said in her notice. “Out of an abundance of caution all planned enhancements will remain in effect for tomorrow.”

The situation is continuing to develop and more information will be added as it is made available.