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Parent urges council to press ACPS for clearer communication after firearm entered Freetown Elementary
Summary
A parent told the council that a firearm entered Freetown Elementary and criticized limited follow‑up from Anne Arundel County Public Schools; she asked the council to treat the incident as an opportunity to review prevention and communication policies.
Dr. Sharon Hoye testified at the Feb. 17 meeting that a firearm had been brought into Freetown Elementary and that families learned of the incident through local news rather than direct written communications from school officials. She said that response alone is important but emphasized prevention and transparent follow‑up, urging the council to use the incident to examine district policies and steps to prevent recurrence.
"When a firearm makes its way into an elementary building... all ACPS families deserve transparent communication about what has happened, what safeguards are being strengthened, and what proactive steps will be taken," Dr. Hoye said. She said a brief social‑media video from a school official was not sufficient and asked the council to consider policies that include earlier age‑appropriate safety instruction and clearer communications practice.
The testimony was delivered during the open public comment period; no specific county action was recorded in the session other than the council receiving public testimony. Council members acknowledged the concern and the meeting record indicates staff and the administration will be aware of the public request to review communications and prevention strategies with ACPS.
