Parents upset with school corporation after gun incident

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - "Thank God the gun was unloaded," said Woodlawn Elementary School grandparent William Leming.

That was Leming's reaction after students were sent home with a letter stating a student brought an unloaded handgun to school.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, but the letter wasn't set home to parents until Thursday.

"I figured they'd notify us immediately," said Leming. "You know, that's a major thing, a kid bringing a gun to school."

Twin Lakes Schools Superintendent Tom Fletcher assures parents the school corporation was not trying to withhold information.

Fletcher said although the incident occurred on Tuesday, a parent didn't notify school officials about the incident until after school hours on Wednesday.

Fletcher said the police were notified right away, and once details had been confirmed, the notice was sent home with students.

"When you get a report like that, you have to take the time to really make sure that it wasn't a story," said Fletcher. "We hear all kinds of stories in our life, but we had to confirm it."

According to the school code of conduct, any child who brings a weapon to school can be expelled. However in this case, Fletcher said the punishment of the student will remain private.

"The student has been removed from school," said Fletcher.

As for criminal charges, Monticello Police Chief Randy Soliday said that has yet to be determined.

"We're going to be sending a report to the White County Probation Department for a follow up to see if there are going to be any charges filed," said Soliday.

Fletcher said this is the first time in his nine years as a superintendent that a child has brought a weapon to school. He wants to assure parents that safety is, and always will be, a top priority.