The joy of a new school year was met with heavy hearts as news came of yet another school shooting, this time at Apalachee High School in Georgia on Sept. 4.
A 14-year-old student, Colt Gray, is accused of fatally shooting two students, two teachers and injuring nine others. He was charged with four counts of felony murder, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). His father Colin is also charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, according to GBI.
Area school superintendents and police departments released statements following the news. As the new school year begins, Washington Township Police Chief Patrick Gurcsik released a message on social media.
“Tonight, our hearts are heavy with the news of a school shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia,” he said. “As you prepare to send your children to school, please take some comfort in knowing that my officers will be present at each of our 12 schools. I want to reassure our community that school security remains the top priority for our agency.
“We have police officers assigned full time to each of our schools, and I have directed my commanders to increase patrols in and around our school campuses for the foreseeable future.”
The increase in patrols includes additional police vehicles and K-9 units, Gurcsik added.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of our students, staff and community,” he explained. “We are here to protect and serve. If you see something, say something. Thank you for your continued trust and support. Stay safe.”
Township school Superintendent Dr. Eric Hibbs called “the safety of our students and staff” his administration’s highest priority.”
“We have a strong and trusted relationship with the Washington Township Police Department (WTPD), which is part of an ongoing commitment to a safe and secure environment,” he noted.
The increased patrols “are part of our unwavering dedication to the safety of our community, made possible through our exceptional collaboration with the police department,” added Hibbs, who expressed gratitude to all involved keeping the school district a safe place.
“Together, we are committed to ensuring that our schools remain a safe place for all.”
Cinnaminson school Superintendent Stephen Cappello sent a letter to families and staff.
“As we joyfully welcomed our students and staff back to school today, we are deeply saddened to learn about the tragedy at Apalachee High School …,” he wrote. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the Apalachee High School community and all who have been affected.
“In our community, we take great pride in the ongoing partnership we have with the Cinnaminson Township Police Department and our community partners,” Cappello added. “Together, we work to keep everyone safe.”
Cappello shared that every year, district officials meet with the police department to “refine our emergency preparedness plans, conduct drills and keep all parties informed of updates related to our schools.”
“Our ongoing priority is to keep our staff and students safe,” he promised, “and we will never waver on that commitment,” he said. ” I would encourage you to speak with your children about the importance of remaining vigilant and reporting any safety concerns to a trusted adult.”
Cinnaminson police also shared a message on social media.
“The Cinnaminson police department and the Cinnaminson school district have partnered together for many years to ensure that there are police officers in our schools,” the message stated. “The safety of students and staff is always a top priority for our department. Our officers are highly trained and will continue to be trained to make certain that the school community remains safe.
“As always, the police department and the school district encourage anyone to immediately report anything that is suspicious or dangerous.”
Lenape Regional High School District Superintendent Carol Birnbohm oversees four county high schools: Cherokee, Shawnee, Lenape and Seneca.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Apalachee High School community,” she said. “This recent tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing need for schools to prioritize student safety. Our administration and board take this responsibility seriously, working not only to ensure physical safety but also to support the social and emotional well-being of all students.
“The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to inform staff and students about our safety and security protocols, while also raising awareness about the range of resources available, including our Wellness Rooms.”
Birnbohm also cited the role of staff in guaranteeing school safety.
“We remain committed – as we are every year – to reinforcing this information throughout the school year and maintaining our collaborative partnership with local law enforcement,” she pointed out.
“While protocols, procedures and resources provide the foundation, it’s our staff who truly make our schools places where students feel safe, supported and cared for.”
