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Newport News Public Schools officials held their first board meeting one day after a shooting Monday morning at Heritage School.
A handful of parents and community members expressed sympathies for those affected by the shooting, while the school board addressed what officials intend to do in the coming days.
The shooting happened around 11:30 a.m. when two 17-year-olds were shot — a boy was hit on the side of the face and a girl in her lower leg. The teenagers’ injuries were not considered life-threatening, police said.
Two more people were hospitalized in the aftermath, because of a sprained wrist and an asthma attack.
A 15-year-old boy, who is a student at Heritage High, was arraigned Tuesday on a slew of felony charges, including two counts of aggravated malicious wounding and nine gun charges.
[ Two 17-year-olds — a boy and a girl — shot at Heritage High in Newport News; suspect in custody ]
Parents at the school board meeting told members about concerns regarding safety and a perceived lack of communication from school officials.
Shera Gholson drove to pick up her son, who attends Huntington Middle School, on Monday when she heard about the shooting. Gholson said she was bothered when police didn’t search her for any weapons when she walked into the high school.
“When we send our kids to school, I feel like we send them there hoping they’ll be safe every single day,” she said at the podium.
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Gholson said fearing for children’s safety may cause parents to want their kids to attend school virtually.
Board members did not address public comments at the meeting, but did speak on the shooting and what people should expect going forward.
According to Superintendent Dr. George Parker III, school officials have not received the “full investigation” from police. Without knowing how the shooter entered the school and “facility protocols” that were followed, Parker said officials can’t begin planning to fix any possible issues to prevent similar situations from happening again.
Until Friday, students and staff can gain access to Heritage to obtain any belongings that might’ve been left behind Monday during the rush to safety and evacuating.
The board intends to meet with staff at Heritage and Huntington to “discuss campus safety and support for virtual instruction.” It is unclear when students will return to school in-person.
In the meantime, board members urged staff and students to utilize mental health resources provided by the school or within the community. Parents, students and employees can call a support hotline at 757-283-7868 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to talk with a support specialist for counseling.
Sierra Jenkins, 229-462-8996, sierra.jenkins@virginiamedia.com