Rumors Not Helpful, Says Lawrence Schools Superintendent

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — A week after a student was found with a loaded handgun at Lawrence High School, rumors are causing many to question the school district’s commitment to safety, said Superintendent Ross Kasun.

“Many untrue stories are currently circulating; these rumors are causing some to question the safety of our students and staff and are not helpful as we attempt to move our school community forward,” Kasun said in a letter to the school community.

“Please know that if there was any remaining concern about the safety of our students and staff connected to this incident, we would take immediate and swift action to address such.”

The incident is still under investigation and school authorities are unable “to comment about the specific events that took place,” Kasun said.

On the morning of Dec. 8, Lawrence High School was put on lockdown after a student was found with a loaded handgun. No injuries were reported.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m., school authorities were informed that a student might be in possession of a weapon. Working with the School Resource Officer Steven Austin, district authorities immediately located the student and conducted a search, during which a loaded handgun was found. The student was immediately taken into custody without incident. Read More Here: Lawrence High School Student Found With Loaded Handgun: Police

The same evening at the Board of Education meeting, Kasun ruled out the possibility of installing metal detectors at all district schools.

"We've explored that possibility in the past. And frankly, it often gives a sense of false security, and the way a school is designed, I am not sure it keeps us safe," Kasun said. Read More Here: No Metal Detectors At Lawrence Public Schools: Superintendent

In his letter to the community on Tuesday evening, Kasun highlighted the various steps the district was taking to ensure all students and staff were safe. They are:

• LHS and district administration have met with the Lawrence Township Police Department to review the situation and the implementation of emergency management plans.
• Debriefing through conversations with the high school faculty and staff, district administration, as well as conversations with students and many parents. This feedback has provided district officials with valuable information about how the situation impacted individuals and helped them reflect on existing procedures.
• Counselors have been available since the afternoon of Dec. 8 to support and speak with any student who wished to discuss the incident.
• LHS faculty and staff were also provided resources and protocols to respond to student inquiries and concerns in the classroom. Any student who would like to speak about what happened last week is encouraged to reach out to their school counselor or one of the administrators.

Kasun reiterated that the safety and security of students and staff “remain our highest priority.”

“We will continue to do whatever is necessary to provide a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.”

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