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Amid controversy over a school threat, Trussville city school officials say they are taking some initial steps to improve communication, school safety and support services.

Now, the school board is working to identify an interim superintendent and lay out a road map for future changes to how the district assesses threats and other safety issues.

Last week, a city investigation revealed school staff were aware of a student’s notebook – which contained the names of 37 students he allegedly wanted to kill – but did not notify parents or other staff until the student apparently again threatened to harm others.

“We deeply and humbly apologize for all the emotional and mental distress experienced by our students, parents and staff,” board president Kathy Brown wrote in a newsletter to parents Saturday. “It is painful and we want to work towards healing, and that includes every single student.”

Principal Tim Salem was placed on administrative leave shortly after the case became public. In the days that followed, parents, students and some school employees protested the district.

Some said they failed to receive any communication from the district about the incident until days later. Others brought up longstanding concerns about communication, transparency and accountability among system leaders like Superintendent Pattie Neill.

“The students do not agree with the way she operates this school district,” Ethan Sumners, a high school student who said he was named in the notebook, said at a called meeting Friday.

That morning, Neill requested her own paid leave.

At a special called meeting Tuesday, board members said they will likely hire someone from outside the district to serve in the interim role.

Neill’s leave of absence will last 60 days, and she will not have access to her school email or her office. Her 10-year anniversary as a state employee is in November, which means Neill will be vested in the state’s retirement system by her return date.

Kim DeShazo, the board’s vice president, said the board consulted with the Alabama Association of School Boards on a list of candidates and will make a determination later. Board members said they felt an external candidate would be a needed voice, and would also limit the need to shift too many duties around.

“They can bring some fresh ideas to us, and right about now, that’s what we need,” said board member Sherrye Tolbert.

The board also consulted with AASB to find someone to conduct an independent assessment of district policies. They are currently in talks with Dana Hill, a Birmingham-based education defense attorney that provides legal counsel to several Alabama school districts.

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has reached out about providing funding for mental health and anti-bullying programs, and the board has also received offers from external agencies to help with their threat assessment protocol, DeShazo said.

The Trussville Police Department has also granted every officer key card access to all schools in the district.

The board’s next scheduled meeting is on Oct. 17, but Brown said the board will likely call another special session before then to decide on an interim superintendent and other next steps.

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