Please watch this video message from Superintendent Gothard about the tragic event at Harding Senior High School. Read an update here:

As a student of Harding I don't feel safe going to my own school anymore. Before the incident we had gun threats and a student even brought a gun to school. They are now deciding to look at our bags when they could've done it awhile ago to prevent this from happening.

You guys took security out the schools. Things have been happening, this statement is just because now it resulted in death.

You have failed. You allowed the school board to push you over and remove the SROs from the school. Ask yourself how many times has Harding high school been on lockdown? How about Battle Creek or any other school in the district families? Teachers students are begging for help!!!

I believe you put a person in charged, who has failed at her job to protect our kid's. I like other parents feel she needs to be removed as the Principal of Harding, my kid's no longer want to attend Harding due to her lack of leadership.

Not an ounce of remorse or emotion in your voice. SPPS School Board and Administration has once again failed.

The school district and the schools can only do so much. We need to do a better job of raising children without violence as part of their culture. Start there and the schools might have a chance.

Every Board Member who pushed for the removal of Resource Officers should resign- retired SPPS SW

Who took away security?

@SPPS_News this is what happens when a school board and superintendent care more about Covid and people's feelings instead of the saftey of the students

This is not only incredibly tragic but demonstrates a complete lack of control by you and @MayorCarter How could you let this happen in a school? Whoever’s idea it was to kick the SROs out should be immediately terminated. This is inexcusable.