Threat locks down Floresville schools

A staging area was established by emergency personnel May 15 across from Floresville High School as law enforcement investigated reports of a student with a weapon on campus. There were no weapons found, according to the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing. GREGORY RIPPS/Wilson County News

An increased law-enforcement presence will remain at all Floresville Independent School District (ISD) schools throughout the remainder of the school year.

The increased security presence is in response to a May 15 report of an armed high school student making threats toward a staff member which prompted a lockdown, and a second — unrelated — incident on May 17, in which a juvenile was taken into custody after making a threat toward Floresville Middle School.

Threat, lockdown

At approximately 11:45 a.m. last Thursday, local law enforcement was alerted by an out-of-state call center to a possible threat at Floresville High School. The report indicated a student was on campus with a weapon in a backpack.

Personnel with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Floresville Police Department, Floresville ISD Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) immediately responded to district campuses, said Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Clint Garza. The high school and nearby Floresville South Elementary School were placed on lockdown, and Floresville Middle School was placed in a “secure” precautionary measure.

Floresville ISD families were alerted around noon of the lockdown.

Law-enforcement personnel conducted a sweep of all three campuses. However, no weapon or threat was found, Garza told the Wilson County News.

As the incident unfolded, rumors circulated through the community and social media, as some reported hearing shots fired, or of a student armed with knives inside the high school building.

The lockdown was lifted at approximately 1:24 p.m. District officials said students would be released according to the usual campus schedules; however, many parents chose to collect their children immediately.

Second threat

As the Floresville situation ended, local law enforcement was advised of a second threat, also from a source outside the area. This second threat related to a student allegedly intending self-harm at La Vernia Junior High School. The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and La Vernia Police Department responded swiftly.

“The initial student of interest was determined not to be involved,” said La Vernia ISD Director of Safety & Security Cliff Hill, who said a lockdown there was not needed, as “there was no perceived threat to LVISD students at any time” May 15.

The two incidents were “determined to be related,” said Garza.

Communications

Many took to social media to praise the rapid response of local law enforcement during the incident, as well as the Floresville ISD staff and administration.

Some parents in the community still have questions about the information shared that day.

“I just feel the school wasn’t being transparent,” one Floresville ISD parent said in a comment to the Wilson County News.

“As a parent, of course I want to know what the heck is going on, but I understand why they can’t tell us everything,” another parent of both an elementary and high school student shared. “I would hope they release a statement with all details once the investigation is completed.”

“All protocols and procedures worked as they were intended to and were followed by students and staff,” Floresville ISD Communications Specialist Blanca Martinez told the newspaper following the incident.

Ongoing investigation

Floresville Superintendent Jason Gilstrap addressed families in the district’s “Eye on FISD” e-newsletter afterward.

“In times like these, we kindly ask for your support in helping us maintain clear and factual communication,” Gilstrap said. “Sharing unverified information can cause unnecessary confusion and anxiety.”

He assured that an after-action review will be conducted by the district regarding safety and security measures and procedures.

Garza also addressed community concerns about communication during the incident.

“We don’t put information out until it’s accurate,” he emphasized.

The sheriff’s office and La Vernia Police Department are working closely with the DPS and Texas Rangers as the investigation continues. Those agencies have resources to aid in tracking phone calls and IP addresses, according to Garza. Analytics as of press time had provided law enforcement with “some good leads,” he said.

“If we have a threat, we take it seriously,” Garza said. “And if it proves to be a crime, that too will be taken seriously and followed with appropriate measures.”

As of press time May 19, the investigation was continuing; no arrests had been made.

Security audit

Floresville ISD Superintendent Jason Gilstrap informed district trustees at their May 12 meeting of a recent security audit by the Texas Education Agency, during which “the audit concluded with one finding.” Trustees were briefed on the outcome of the finding — which could not be discussed publicly due to security concerns — during the meeting’s executive session. Gilstrap advised the trustees that the district would be completing “all required corrective actions, including retraining of all staff members.”

Counseling

Counseling support is available for students, staff, and families, according to Floresville Independent School District Communications Specialist Blanca Martinez.

“The counselors on campus can support students and families,” Martinez said. “The Family and Community Specialist can offer support as well. If it’s a parent in need, she can put them in touch with resources.”

To reach Floresville ISD’s Family and Community Specialist, call 830-393-5300, or email lmarshall@fisd.us.

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