Following the shooting that took the lives of 19 students at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, Bay area school districts are offering support to parents and ramping up security in response.
For many districts, students have just a few days left before summer vacation. In some districts, backpacks will not be permitted for the final days of school.
Hillsborough County
Statement from Superintendent Addison Davis: "Enough is enough. We must stand united with the community in Texas where unimaginable evil took the lives of innocent children and staff members today. Schools should be a sanctuary of safety for our students & employees. Our hearts are with the victims and their family members."
Pinellas County
Statement from Superintendent Michael Grego: "Our hearts go out to the people of Uvalde, Texas. We are all part of the greater school community and remember, one way we work to keep each other safe is when we see something we say something – by telling a trusted adult, calling law enforcement or using our Say Something or Fortify Florida anonymous reporting systems. https://sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips/… https://getfortifyfl.com Our district & law enforcement partners remain vigilant. The safety of our students & staff continues to be our highest priority."
Pasco County
Statement from Superintendent Kurt Browning: "The news of the school shooting in Texas is absolutely sickening. Our hearts go out to the victims & families affected by this tragedy. All SROs, security guards & staff will be laser focused on keeping students & staff safe on the last day of school tomorrow."
Highlands County
Statement from school district: "Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by today's senseless tragedy in Texas, and our prayers are with the families and friends of those lost, and the staff of Robb Elementary School. Like many school districts around the nation, we will have an increased law-enforcement presence on campus the rest of the week strictly as a precautionary measure, and to ease any concerns that sometimes arise after incidents like this."
Citrus County
Statement from Superintendent Sandra Himmel: Our hearts break tonight for the children and teacher lost in the shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It is devastation that the most innocent of souls were targeted. The Citrus County School District and our community stand with the families of loved ones lost & injured at Robb Elementary School. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family members and everyone in the Uvalde community as they deal with this senseless act of violence."
Polk County
Beginning tomorrow (Wednesday, May 25), no backpacks will be allowed at all PCPS school sites for the remainder of the current school year.
The last day of school for students is Friday, May 27. For the rest of this week, students may carry bags no larger than a small purse. Lunchboxes will still be permitted.
This is simply a precautionary measure. It is not uncommon for schools to implement additional security measures during the last days of the school year, when it is no longer necessary for students to carry backpacks or large purses. If you feel that your child needs accommodations regarding this change, please contact your school’s administration. We wish you a restful summer, and we look forward to seeing you and your child again next school year. Thank you.