Butler Senior High School has seen an increase in the number of student behavior issues, some of which have risen to the level of criminal behavior.

District superintendent Brian White sent a letter to families of high school students earlier this week, which said there have been more Board Student Disciplinary Hearings this year, and administrators have notified police of alleged criminal behavior.

According to White, administrators “continue to investigate why this behavior is occurring” in district schools, but they have not yet identified any specific root cause for the issue.

“What we do know is unacceptable behavior in our schools will not be tolerated,” White said in the letter. “Our mission is to provide a safe learning environment for all students. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well being of our students.”

White said Friday evening that he could not provide more specific details on any incidents at the time.

On Oct. 28, administrators met with the Butler police, Butler Township Police Department, state police, Butler County Juvenile Probation, Butler County Sheriff, school police, the school district solicitor and the Butler County District Attorney’s Office to discuss the behavioral issues.

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe said the numerous agencies that service Butler school district are available to help, and criminal activity will be investigated as needed.

“I think we all are going to put our resources together to help keep our young men and women safe in their schools,” he said. “As far as the criminal acts, any crime that is committed will be investigated, and if warranted, charges are filed and the District Attorney's office will prosecute.”

The school district hired a certified behavior analyst at the beginning of this school year, and White said he intends to hire an additional dean of students specifically for the high school. Additionally, he said in the letter that the district works with Glade Run Lutheran Services to offer therapeutic services to students who need support.

Administrators are also reviewing procedures to determine if there are ways to mitigate and prevent incidents from occurring.

“The district is giving everyone notice that we will not tolerate unacceptable behavior at school,” White said in the letter.