Alliance High School sign language class threatened, community demands answers
At Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio, a deeply concerning incident has ignited fear and frustration among parents, students, and local residents. The situation unfolded on the morning of October 28, when a student allegedly made a disturbing threat during a sign language class, stating an intent to “shoot and harm the entire sign language class,” and reportedly identifying one student as a specific target.
The incident was brought to public attention through a Facebook post by Jacqui Rhome, a parent of one of the students in the class. In her post, Rhome expressed alarm over how the situation was handled by school officials and shared her belief that the district had failed to communicate adequately with families about the threat. Her post quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention and concern throughout the Alliance community.
According to Alliance City Schools officials, the threatening statement was made by a student during class, prompting immediate administrative action. The school principal and district leaders were alerted, and the student was removed from the building while the incident was referred to the Alliance Police Department for further investigation.
In a statement released by Superintendent Rob Gress, the district confirmed that it followed the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines to evaluate the level of risk. After consulting with school safety specialists and law enforcement, administrators determined that the situation did not present an active or immediate threat, and therefore, the school was not placed on lockdown.
Despite this assessment, many parents remain unsettled. In her Facebook post, Rhome said she met personally with the principal and later with Superintendent Gress to express her frustration and concern. She stated that the student responsible was facing possible expulsion but could still have the opportunity to return to school. Rhome questioned why the district did not issue a lockdown or alert parents directly after the threat was made.
Rhome wrote, “Not only has the school failed my children, they have also failed yours,” a message that resonated with many parents who have since shared the post widely. Several families commented online, voicing fears about how quickly threats of violence are handled and demanding more transparency from the district.
In response, Alliance City Schools reiterated its commitment to safety and confidentiality. Administrators emphasized that, due to privacy laws, they are prohibited from disclosing specific disciplinary actions involving students. However, they reassured the community that every credible threat is investigated and addressed immediately in cooperation with law enforcement.
The district encouraged parents and students to use the “Say Something” anonymous reporting system, which allows individuals to report threats, bullying, or suspicious activity directly to authorities.
The Alliance Police Department confirmed that the case remains under investigation, though no additional details about the student’s identity, age, or prior disciplinary history have been made public. School officials are also reviewing existing safety and communication protocols to determine whether improvements are needed to ensure faster, clearer notification to parents in similar situations.
The incident has reignited broader conversations about school safety and trust within the community. Many parents are calling for public meetings or town-hall discussions to address their concerns, review district safety plans, and clarify how threats are assessed in real time. Others have urged the district to provide additional staff training and counseling support for students affected by the fear and uncertainty the situation created.
While the student responsible for the alleged threat remains removed from school, parents continue to demand reassurance that the district’s actions prioritize the well-being of all students.
As the investigation continues, the Alliance community stands united in its call for safety, accountability, and transparency — determined to ensure that every child who walks through the doors of Alliance High School feels secure and protected, both in the classroom and beyond.
