San Antonio School Districts Confront Safety Concerns Amidst Bullets Found on Campuses

San Antonio School Districts Encounter Ammunition Discoveries

San Antonio has recently faced heightened concerns over school safety as ammunition was discovered in two local school districts. Specifically, one bullet was found at the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUC ISD) and a concerning total of at least 13 bullets were located in the Northside Independent School District (NISD) over two consecutive days.

Incident Overview

The alarming occurrences did not involve any reported shootings, yet they have raised significant anxiety among parents regarding the safety of their children. The series of discoveries began on Wednesday morning when a student found a bullet outside a door at Jefferson Middle School in NISD. Later that day, a Ziploc bag containing 11 bullets was discovered near the same area. The following day, another bullet was found outside the school, further deepening concerns.

Community Concerns

Parents are understandably worried. One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed fear for her daughter’s safety after learning of the bullet discoveries. She recounted her daughter’s distress, stating, “She said, ‘Mom, I’m scared of going to school tomorrow.’ The mother highlighted how the school did not communicate the findings adequately, leaving parents feeling uneasy about the situation.

Response and Investigations

In response to these discoveries, both school districts have been proactive. At SCUC ISD, a School Resource Officer (SRO) was notified of the bullet found in the boy’s restroom at Clemens High School just before 11 a.m. on Thursday. A K9 unit was called in to investigate any potential traces of gunpowder, but the thorough searches yielded no additional threats.

Schertz Police Chief Jim Lowery commented on the need for responsible behavior, noting that a viral TikTok video among students may have generated unnecessary panic. He appreciated the report from the student who found the bullet, but emphasized the importance of clear and appropriate communication in potential emergencies.

Ongoing Investigations at NISD

In NISD, the investigation continues as authorities examine surveillance cameras in high-traffic areas around the school, where the ammunition was discovered. The bullets were of different calibers, including 9mm and .45 ACP, but there have been no leads on the individual or individuals responsible for leaving them.

Parent Communication from the School

Following the incidents, Principal Monica Cabico sent an email to Jefferson Middle School families, assuring them that the district takes student safety seriously. She confirmed that they have not yet established how or why the bullets appeared on school grounds, but emphasized that necessary precautions will be taken. Cabico stressed that all concerns regarding student safety will be addressed appropriately by NISD Police.

Calls for Increased Security Measures

The ongoing revelations have led parents, including the previously mentioned mother, to question if stricter security measures are necessary. “Do we need to check backpacks? Do we need to have clear backpacks in the middle school now?” she pondered. She has also urged school officials to consider forensic tests, like searching for fingerprints on the ammunition, to identify any possible adult involvement in introducing the bullets to the school environment.

Conclusion

As the investigations unfold, school officials and law enforcement are committed to maintaining a safe environment for students. The community remains on edge as they await concrete answers and reassurance regarding the safety of their children in school. Parents are reminded of the importance of reporting suspicious activities or potential threats through the appropriate channels, including NISD’s dedicated Safeline.