Threat Assessment Team

The Northwestern Lehigh School District is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its students and the school community and providing the resources and support to address identified student needs. As part of this commitment, and in alignment with Board Policy 236.1 - Threat Assessment, the district has established a Threat Assessment Team to proactively identify, assess, and respond to potential threats.

Threat assessment is a strategic, research-based process designed to prevent violence and resolve underlying conflicts that may give rise to threatening behavior. Recognized as a best practice by both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service, threat assessment plays a critical role in any comprehensive school safety initiative. It allows schools to intervene early and provide the necessary resources and supports to meet students' needs while maintaining a safe learning environment.

Definition of a Threat:
 A threat is a communication or behavior that indicates an individual poses a danger to the safety of school staff or students through acts of violence or other behavior that would cause harm to self or others. The threat may be expressed/communicated behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means.  

What are the Steps that Lead to a Threat Assessment?

• A report of concern is received and evaluated for any indications of a threat.
  • (Safe2Say Something program, directly from staff/students, other means).
• If the report is an Imminent/Direct threat, immediate action is taken and NWLSD School Police is contacted.
• If the report has indications of a threat and is not Imminent/Direct, a threat assessment is conducted. 
  • The assessment includes interviews and a review of records (academic, disciplinary, and other formal records) using investigative themes as based on the C-STAG model.
  • Upon preliminary determination, the student’s parents are notified.
  • The outcome of the threat assessment will result in a Threat Response plan, which may include a Risk Assessment (Act 71), Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), Student Assistance Program (SAP) referral, and/or Special Education referral/review.
  • Upon completion of the threat assessment, records are sent to NWLSD Police Chief.
• If the report has no indications of a threat, it is investigated by the building administration.
• Please note that all reports of concerning communications or behavior are evaluated. Not all reports result in a Threat Assessment.

Threat Assessment School Board Presentation - January 17, 2024
This presentation reviews NWLSD's approach to Threat Assessment.
Threat Assessment - Board Presentation: January 17, 2024

The Northwestern Lehigh School District Threat Assessment Team Leaders

Name	Position	Building
Kevin Birosik	Chief of Police Threat Assessment Lead	District-wide
Dr. Troy Sosnovik	Assistant Superintendent	District-wide
Andrea Edmonds	Director of Student Services	District-wide
Matthew Givler	Assistant Principal	High School
Amy Wahl	Assistant Principal	Middle School
Krista Keys	Principal	Northwestern Elementary
Jill Berlet	Principal	Weisenberg Elementary