District assesses next steps after gun found at Maize High. Third student arrested
The Maize school district plans to discuss additional security measures after a gun was found in a backpack at Maize High School on Thursday.
It also plans to add more police officers during Maize High’s homecoming activities this weekend, Superintendent Raquel Greer said in a statement Friday.
“Yesterday was an example that our school district is not immune to the reality and importance of school safety, and I know many in our community are feeling that today,” Greer said in the statement. “ …. School security is ongoing work, and we remain fully committed to these daily efforts. We are already working on what the next level of security looks like in Maize USD 266.”
Meanwhile, a third student was arrested Friday in connection with the gun’s discovery. Two students were arrested Thursday.
Maize police officers and school administrators were able to find the firearm in a backpack and confiscate it Thursday after multiple students reported it. Friday, Greer praised this collaboration between students and faculty.
“I am so grateful that our students reported what they knew and confided in trusted adults,” she said. “Their bravery and reports were critical to the swift, immediate action by Maize High administrators and police officers that kept everyone safe.”
Police officers are being added out of caution ahead of Maize High’s homecoming activities Friday and Saturday, the district said.
“The decision was made to add additional safety resources to help our community feel more confident and safe,” Lori O’Toole Buselt, the district’s executive director of communications, said in an email to The Eagle. “There is no prolonged safety concern connected to the event at Maize High School yesterday. Rather, the district is simply being responsive to parent requests given the close proximity timewise between yesterday and the large community Homecoming event.”
The suburban district northwest of Wichita has more than 8,000 students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
In her statement, Greer described some of the district’s current support services and security protocols, including the partnership between USD 266 and police; expanded mental health services; required identification for visitors, students and staff; increased security cameras; and reporting resources like Speak Up! anonymous reporting.
She said the district will review safety policies in light of Thursday’s incident.
The district has received requests from parents to consider installing metal detectors and/or weapons detection systems. Greer wrote that it’s a subject district leaders and members of the Maize school board will discuss again soon.
Greer invited parents, guardians and students to reach out to her, district principals or other school leaders with additional questions or concerns.
“We are happy to listen and answer any questions you may still have about our schools,” she wrote. “We will move forward together strategically, thoughtfully, and with care on behalf of our much-loved students.”
