Belle Vernon Area School District is heightening security measures this week at Rostraver Elementary School after students were overheard discussing violence and the possibility of bringing weapons on campus. Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool has indicated that these precautions include having police officers at bus stops and the school on Friday and a district representative riding a particular bus route.

A transparency move by the district in disclosing the potential threat came following conversations between students in grades 2-5 about violence and weapons. A particular concern arose when a child mentioned bringing a gun on the school bus. According to a TribLIVE report, Dr. Glasspool confirmed that the remarks involved threats and fighting among students.

Investigators from the Rostraver Township Police Department are actively examining the statements made. When contacted, the student's purportedly targeted parents were promptly notified of the situation. Dr. Glasspool emphasized, "The safety of our students is our highest priority," restating the district's commitment to addressing and taking all potential threats seriously in a statement detailed by CBS News.

The additional safety measures include the presence of a police officer at both the bus stop and Rostraver Elementary School on the day following threat discovery. The school official aboard the bus will serve to supervise students further. "We encourage parents and guardians to talk openly with [their] children about school safety and remind students to report any concerning conversations or behaviors to a trusted adult," Dr. Glasspool stated, as reported by WPXI.