Medford Students Return To School After McGlynn Security Incident

MEDFORD, MA – Medford students returned to school Tuesday amid an increased police presence. The Medford School Committee last week canceled classes Monday after questions arose over how the discovery of a loaded gun magazine in the McGlynn Middle School auditorium in December was handled. Staff and faculty used the day to review safety and security policies and undergo training.

McGlynn Principal Jake Edwards has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into why the Dec. 29 discovery was first reported to Medford Mayor Stephanie M. Burke and Police Chief Leo Sacco on Friday, Feb. 16.

In a statement last week, Medford Superintendent of Schools Roy Belson said a cleaning company found the magazine under a seat in the school theater. It was turned over to the school custodian, who locked it in the principal's office.

The following day Edwards said he cleaned his office and threw several items away that could have held the magazine, according to Belson. The school resource officer and Belson were directly notified, but Sacco was not.

No weapons or drugs were found during a search of the city's schools last week. Belson has previously said he was wrong not to report the magazine to the mayor and police chief and told the crowd at Thursday's school committee meeting his mistake "will never happen again as long as I'm in this role."

Officials reassured the public school community that the schools are safe and explained the increased police presence in statements tailored by school year. Counselors will be at McGlynn Tuesday and Wednesday to provide support for students and teachers.

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