Authorities in Starkville are investigating two firearm-related incidents at a pair of local schools this week.
On Tuesday, staffers at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary School found a gun in a student’s backpack. One day later, a fully loaded magazine clip in the possession of a pupil was discovered at Partnership Middle School.
No gun was present at the middle school. However, Starkville Oktibbeha School District Superintendent Dr. Tony McGee said the presence of the clip poses a serious concern.
“Thankfully, no one was harmed in either situation, and we are grateful for those individuals who acted quickly to ensure everyone’s safety,” McGee stated.
As investigators continue to assess both incidents, McGee is calling on parents to monitor their children’s belongings more closely.
“If your child brings a backpack or bag to school, please take a moment each day to check it, and make sure that every content in that bag is school-appropriate and age-appropriate,” McGee added. “Your help in this can make a big difference on what comes to school each and every day.”
Effective immediately, new safety measures will be implemented across the board in schools across the district. According to the superintendent, all students will be screened upon entry to the various educational facilities. McGee further added that district policies will be strictly enforced on any pupil who brings illicit items to school.