STARKVILLE – Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District is increasing law enforcement presence on the Henderson Ward Stewart campus this week after a gun was found Tuesday in a student’s backpack.
HWS is a campus for grades 2-4.
In a message sent to parents Tuesday afternoon, SOCSD Communications Director Haley Montgomery said the weapon was safely confiscated, and no one was harmed. No threats were made toward any students or staff, she said.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the district will provide increased law enforcement presence on the HWS campus in the coming days,” Montgomery wrote in the message. “We will also continue to provide support to students and staff who may need to talk with a counselor or social worker.”
Administrators were first alerted to a potential safety issue Tuesday morning after a student made a report about seeing something concerning on the school bus.
After determining the bag’s location on campus, administrators cleared the classroom and found the handgun inside the backpack. Montgomery said Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office, Starkville Police Department and Crisis Hotline were immediately notified after the gun was discovered.
Capt. Brett Watson confirmed OCSO is investigating the incident, but he told The Dispatch it is too early to determine whether any charges will be filed.
Montgomery asked families to remind students that no weapons of any kind are allowed on school grounds.
“We also encourage our students to continue to speak up and talk with our staff if they see or hear of anything that may be a safety concern for themselves or their classmates,” she wrote in the message. “… Working together, we can ensure that our schools remain safe places where students can grow, learn and thrive.”
McRae is a general assignment and education reporter for The Dispatch.
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