Homewood-Flossmoor High School administrators notified parents and guardians that a student was taken into custody on Friday, Feb. 16, for having brought a weapon on campus.
The incident occurred several weeks ago, but the letter signed by Superintendent Von Mansfield and Principal Jerry Lee Anderson states they first learned about the student’s actions on Friday.
The letter with their signatures was sent to parents and reads:
Dear H-F Parents & Guardians:
Earlier today it was brought to our attention that a student had a small caliber handgun on school property several weeks ago. Upon receipt of this information, we immediately notified the authorities. The police contacted the student’s parents/guardians and made a home visit. They recovered a small caliber handgun, and the student was taken into custody. From our understanding, at no time was a gun brandished nor was anyone threatened.
Alongside the authorities, the school district will take the necessary and appropriate actions. We are grateful that we were made aware of the situation. We thank the Flossmoor and Homewood Police Departments, as well as the staff members who provided assistance.
School safety is everyone’s responsibility and, working together, we will continue to maintain a safe school environment. We appreciate your continued support. When you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 708-799-3000.
Additional information was not immediately available from the Flossmoor Police Department. A Homewood police spokesperson deferred to Flossmoor as the lead agency in the case.
According to the H-F student handbook, having a weapon on campus is cause for expulsion. Jodi Bryant, director of public relations and human resources, said the student in question would be given due process in accordance with school policy.