Nov. 11, 2024 8:45p
(WGTD)---Kenosha Unified administrators investigated reports of images of students with airsoft guns before last Thursday's scare at Roosevelt Elementary, but a district spokesperson says the concerns never triggered the district's standard threat assessment process.
Had any threats been uncovered, police would've been notified, according to a KUSD release issued Monday. As it was, it says the parental concerns involving the fake guns were thoroughly investigated. The district points out it's not illegal to own an air soft gun.
The 13-year-old boy who apparently brought air soft guns to the school in a duffel bag Thursday--although the contents of the bag haven't been confirmed--is expected to appear in juvenile court on Tuesday. The district attorney's office is expected to reveal what if any charges the boy will face. The boy was being held on a charge of making terroristic threats.
According to police, the boy reportedly told a social worker after his arrest Thursday that he wanted to 'scare' the students.
The attempted entry at Roosevelt was thwarted by a school staffer who questioned the boy at the door. The teen then fled, touching off a series of events that led to the district issuing soft lockdown orders at all schools. The lockdown was lifted once the boy was located.
The district says the incident, while resolved successfully, has prompted a comprehensive review of security procedures. Any changes will be implemented quickly, while those requiring "significant" resources will be presented to the school board for further attention.
Meanwhile, the Kenosha Education Association says in a release that Thursday's incident is just more proof that more needs to be done to address students' mental health needs. The K-E-A says that's why it's fighting for more state aid and passage of an upcoming operating referendum.
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