On the morning of Monday, March 25, 2024, the Wilbarger County Sheriff’s Department informed Vernon ISD officials it had received information concerning the possibility of a firearm being located on the Vernon Middle School campus. The School Resource Officer and other Wilbarger County Sheriff Deputies searched a student’s locker and located a handgun.
The student in whose locker the firearm was found was taken to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning, along with another student who was involved. The parents of the students were contacted. The investigation determined no threats had been made against VISD students or staff. Officials are still investigating why the student had the firearm in his possession.
After the handgun was found, school officials took an extra step of precaution and searched every student locker on the VMS campus. No additional firearms were found. VISD is not aware of any ongoing threat to VISD students or staff.
“Student safety is our top priority – period,” Vernon ISD Supt. Dr. Kermit Ward released in a statement. “We are here to provide the young people of our community with the best education possible and to do so in a safe environment. In these days and times, it takes each and every one of us staying alert to the slightest hint of danger. I applaud the person who became aware of a possible threat and who did the right thing by contacting the police department. Their diligence is greatly appreciated.”
Once the investigation is completed, the students will be disciplined according to the VISD Student Handbook, Texas Education Code, and VISD policy.
“We work hard to promote and let the community know of all the great things we have going on at VISD, but at the same time we also need to be transparent and forthcoming when a not-so-good thing happens. Thankfully, those are few and far between,” the superintendent said.
Dr. Ward added he was very appreciative of how the situation was handled by the Wilbarger County Sheriff’s Department, School Resource Officer and VMS officials.
Dr. Kermit Ward
Vernon ISD Superintendent