News Summary
In response to two incidents involving firearms found on school campuses, the Starkville Oktibbeha School District is enhancing safety protocols. A loaded magazine clip was discovered at Partnership Middle School, while a handgun was found in a student’s backpack at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary. Superintendent Tony McGee assured parents that no students were harmed and urged daily backpack checks. Starting May 9, student screenings will be introduced, alongside increased law enforcement presence to ensure campus safety.
Starkville, MS – The Starkville Oktibbeha School District is taking new safety measures following two separate incidents involving firearms found on campuses within a span of two days. On May 8, a loaded magazine clip was discovered in a student’s possession at Partnership Middle School, which accommodates grades 6 and 7. Fortunately, no firearm was actually present during this discovery.
The day prior, on May 7, a more alarming incident occurred at Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary, where a handgun was found inside a student’s backpack. This discovery was made possible thanks to another student who reported seeing the gun on the school bus. The swift response of the school staff ensured adherence to district procedures, effectively preventing any potential harm.
In response to these events, Superintendent Tony McGee reached out to parents through social media to inform them of the circumstances and to assure them that no students were harmed or threatened. A strong emphasis was placed on the importance of checking children’s backpacks daily to avoid the potential transportation of inappropriate items.
Starting May 9, as a precautionary measure, school district staff will implement screenings of students as they arrive on campus. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance safety protocols in light of these incidents. Additionally, there will be an increased presence of law enforcement on school campuses for greater security in the coming days.
The incidents occurred at two different schools within the district, which serves a community where safety and security are paramount. Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary caters to students in grades 2 through 4, while Partnership Middle School serves middle school students in grades 6 and 7.
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating both incidents; however, as of now, no arrests have been made. The school district has announced that disciplinary measures will be enforced for any students found with inappropriate or dangerous items, in accordance with established district policies and procedures.
As gun-related incidents in educational environments raise concerns across the nation, local authorities and school officials are dedicated to creating a safe and secure learning environment for students. The Starkville Oktibbeha School District’s proactive response aims to reassure parents and the community while addressing these serious occurrences.
The community is reminded of the importance of vigilance in maintaining school safety. By reinforcing protocols and encouraging proactive measures at home, the school district hopes to prevent any future incidents involving firearms or other dangerous items in schools.
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Additional Resources
- WLBT: Gun Found in Student’s Backpack at Elementary School
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- C Dispatch: Loaded Ammo Clip Found on Student
- Google Search: School Gun Incidents Mississippi
- WCBI: Gun Found in Student’s Backpack at Elementary School
- Google Scholar: School Gun Incidents
- WTVA: Gun Found in Elementary Student’s Bag
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- C Dispatch: Gun Found in Student’s Backpack at Henderson Ward Stewart
- Google News: Starkville School Gun Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
