Good Afternoon,
Yesterday, (Friday, January 31st, 2025) at our Taylor County Middle School, it was reported that a student was making concerning statements pertaining to the safety of others there. As a result, in accordance with protocol procedures in place, the school administrators immediately located and isolated the student in question, notified our county safety director, and local law enforcement to assist with the appropriate next steps, including calling the student's parent/guardian to remove the individual in question from the campus, pending further investigation.
On behalf of myself and the Taylor County Board of Education, I want to assure everyone that, contrary to what we have been seeing on social media, at no time were any guns located, nor were any of our students, faculty, or staff placed at risk.
In addition, I want to assure everyone that we do have the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff in mind at all times, and I appeal to anyone feeling driven to add unsubstantiated and or speculative entries to the social media frenzy not to do so as it can create unnecessary confusion, fear, and chaos that helps no one.
I trust the individuals charged with protecting our schools and encourage everyone to join me in this, both in times of regular calm as well as during challenging times such as what occurred yesterday.
Thank you to those upon whom we can rely, to continue to help keep our schools safe.
Sincerest Best Regards,
Dr. John E. Stallings, Jr., Superintendent
