Board member resigns after licensed firearm was brought onto school grounds, district says

The chair of the Herman-Neosho-Rubicon School District Board of Education read a statement reporting that on May 14, 2024, a board member entered an elementary school building while carrying a licensed concealed firearm that was not removed before entry. School staff escorted the board member to their vehicle; the chair said the individual posed no immediate threat and agreed to leave campus.

The chair said the district is cooperating with the Dodge County Police Department as that agency continues an investigation and, at the time of the statement, no charges or tickets had been issued. The chair read a resignation letter from the board member in which the individual wrote, in part: “due to my accidental oversight, which occurred at the close of the school day on 05/14/2024 ... I offer my resignation for my position.”

The resignation was described as voluntary; the chair said the district is sharing the facts to be transparent with families and staff. The chair also said the district followed its visitor and safety procedures by escorting the person off school grounds after the discovery.

The board indicated it will post the vacancy and accept applications; the appointee will serve only until the next election cycle in April. The chair said the board will review applicants, may interview candidates, and will vote on an appointment at the next meeting.

The district did not provide the name of the resigned board member in the meeting statement. The chair noted cooperation with local law enforcement and that no formal disciplinary or criminal determination had been announced by police at the time.