Valley View Investigation Notification

Valley View Investigation Notification
Posted on 01/10/2025
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Friday, January 10, 2025 


Dear Boise School District Families and Staff,


Earlier today, we were notified that a former staff member at Valley View Elementary, Gavin Snow, died from a self-inflicted injury while being taken into custody by Boise Police. At the time, Mr. Snow was on administrative leave from the Boise School District and under investigation by Boise Police. 


Families with students directly impacted at Valley View, as well as staff members, were notified this afternoon by Boise School District administrators, as well as representatives from the Boise Police Department. Boise Police also issued the following news release this afternoon.

 

The Boise Police Department, in partnership with the Boise School District, is investigating reports of the production of child sexual abuse material.  The investigation began Tuesday afternoon when Boise School administrators learned of the reported allegations and immediately contacted Boise Police. Boise Police officers made contact with the 22-year-old suspect, Gavin Snow, and seized his electronic devices.  Upon receiving a search warrant for these devices this morning, officers found evidence of child exploitation and production of child sexual abuse materials.


Just after 9 am today, officers attempted to arrest Snow at a home on the 5100 block of N. Mountain View Drive.  When police arrived at the house, Snow injured himself and died from a self-inflicted injury.  No officers used any force during the contact.


Snow was a Special Ed Assistant at Valley View Elementary School in Boise.  Based on the evidence, detectives are concerned there may be additional victims.  The Boise Police Special Victims Unit and the Boise School District are working with known victims and working diligently to identify any other victims should they exist.  Anyone with additional information about the suspect is asked to call 208-377-6790.  Those looking for victim services are encouraged to reach out to the Ada County Victim’s Services Center.


"Our department is committed to investigating all reported crimes, and we are working diligently to ensure justice for the victims in this case," said Boise Police Chief Chris Dennison. "Our focus remains on fully supporting the victims and their families while ensuring accountability through a thorough investigation."


This news is very disturbing to all of us. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is, and always will be, our highest priority. If you or someone you know is in need of support please reach out to your school’s administrative and counseling team. We also encourage you to take advantage of the following resources:


Boise Community Resources

Boise School District Resources for Support

Mental Health and Well-Being Services for Students & Families

Employee Assistance Program

Behavioral Health Support for Staff


As always, if you or your student are the victim of sexual harassment or sexual assault involving students or staff, whether it happened on campus or not, please report this to the District. The District has a broad array of support for you whether you wish to file a formal complaint or not. You may do this through a variety of District channels: talk to your counselor, tell a teacher, send an email to [email protected], or use our online reporting form. 


We encourage anyone reporting acts of a criminal nature or potential criminal nature to directly contact the Boise Police Department. Boise Police officers and detectives are committed to conducting complete investigations and working with prosecutors to pursue charges. Boise Police School Resource Officers are also trained in investigating crimes involving juveniles and work with many agencies across Ada County (juvenile prosecutors, diversion programs, and other juvenile services) to handle those investigations effectively for the suspect and the victim. Boise Police officers can be reached by calling dispatch at 208-377-6790.


Parents, staff and students expect schools that will be safe and welcoming. We take this responsibility seriously. Thank you for your patience, your engagement in your child’s education and thank you for your support of Boise schools.


Sincerely,


Lisa Roberts, Superintendent

Boise School District