Parents, students and first responders urge Arlington schools not to reinstate student who brought loaded handgun

At a regular Arlington Public Schools board meeting, multiple parents, students and community members urged the district not to allow a student expelled in 2024 for bringing a loaded, loaded handgun and extra magazines onto campus to return to Arlington High School. Speakers said the district’s initial plan to permit a supervised return — later reversed — left many parents shaken and demanded clearer, safer alternatives.

The chorus of public comment came during the meeting’s public comment period, when residents cited safety, transparency and state law. “By allowing this student back into school, you are also opening them up for more bullying,” one resident, identified only as Alexandria, said. “There are many alternative places to go to school at, like online learning. This would be safe for everyone involved.”

Speakers said the threat was not hypothetical. Chad Schmidt, a parent, alumnus and local fire chief, said the district must protect all students: "That…