MUSKEGON, Mich — An Oakridge Public Schools student took a picture holding a gun inside the High School Wednesday, district officials say.
Everyone is safe, and the student is no longer at school.
The district indicated Thursday the violation would fall under 'due process,' meaning the board of education would be involved in determining consequences, which could include expulsion.
Students involved with taking the photo told school officials they took the photo on Thursday, Jan. 5.
"I am immensely disappointed that it took 5 school days for this to be reported to an employee," Superintendent Tom Livezey wrote in a letter to parents.
The student was immediately identified and a threat investigation ensued. They told school officials that it was not a real gun, and law enforcement believe this is likely true.
An investigation is still ongoing, as the weapon has not been recovered.
Oakridge Public Schools told 13 ON YOUR SIDE the Muskegon County Sheriff's Department had deployed a K9 unit to ensure no contraband was on school grounds.
The district said the search had turned up nothing.
"This is a very serious matter. It would be appropriate for any person reading this message to ask what the school is doing to prevent this from happening," Superintendent Livezey wrote, "In short, we are doing a lot."
Oakridge recently hired Curt Theune, a retired 25+ year law enforcement officer to oversee school safety. The district says other safety measures can be viewed on their website here.
"A student reporting this issue was, perhaps, the key action that prevented a potential tragedy," he said, "I am thankful that we are sending each and every student home to their parents tonight."
You can read the entire letter Superintendent Livezey sent to parents and guardians here:
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