North Penn school leaders talk safety after student found with gun on Tuesday

Parents shared their concerns with the North Penn School District at a school board meeting on Thursday night after a student was found with a gun on campus.

Police reported that they had learned around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 that a 16-year-old student had possibly brought a weapon to the high school.

The suspected student was brought to the school’s security office before officers arrived and officials found a 9mm handgun on him, officials said.

The student – who has not been identified – was arrested and charged with firearm possession, weapon violations and related offenses.

Two days later, on Oct. 23, Superintendent Dr. Todd Bauer addressed concerns about how the school’s weapon detection technology was not being used on that day.

Dr. Bauer explained that, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 22, the detection system was implemented and will stay in use going forward as the district reviews the policies surrounding it.

The superintendent also said during Thursday’s meeting that parents were concerned about how the district distributed the information about the incident. Dr. Bauer said the district is reviewing their communication plans.

The school district is hosting a Safe Schools meeting on Monday, Oct. 27.