There are occasionally times when students or parents would like to provide information to the school but hesitate because they do not want their identities known. Providing open, direct communication with the community has long been a basic practice for Cherokee ISD. The Board of Education now offers The Safe School Helpline, another method to allow parents and the community to provide input for our school.

Whether it is a student who fears being called a “snitch” or “narc” by peers or a resident who worries about vandalism in retaliation for reporting a crime, passion or use of drugs or alcohol, reckless driving, or any other illegal activity, Safe School Helpline provides a solution.

The Safe School Helpline utilizes a unique, automated telephone service which allows callers to report an allegation, concern, or suggestion confidentially and anonymously. He or she is never asked to give a name. The voice message is typed then faxed to school officials. In this way, no one except an operator hears the voice. Calls are made through a toll-free number.

Each call is assigned a case number. The caller can then call back to the Helpline to check the school progress on the call, or to provide more information.

A caller may make a report 24 hours a day and the school will be notified the next school day. Ordinarily, the principal of the school, where the alleged offense occurred, will investigate. Should a crime such as drug trafficking or possession of a weapon be reported, the superintendent will be notified immediately, day or night, and he can contact the police department. As with any allegation against a student or staff member, no public action would be taken until guilt is proven.

Superintendent Chris Perry stated, “We are pleased that we can bring this type of service to our students, staff and parents. We encourage our students to call this service so we can get pertinent information. Cherokee ISD is committed to making our school as safe as possible.”