Neshaminy superintendent describes student safety response after D.C. incident; parent praises staff

Superintendent Mr. Bowman told the Neshaminy School District board May 12 that during the junior class trip to Washington, D.C., a May 4 shooting incident on the National Mall briefly involved some students as witnesses. He said administrators and chaperones acted quickly to reunify students, worked with police who had closed roads and secured the scene, arranged alternate bus pickup locations and ensured counseling was available when students returned.

"Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our students and staff," Mr. Bowman said, describing the district's response as quick and decisive and praising staff for handling a difficult and emotional situation. He named assistant principals Bobby Simsky and Vanessa Robinson, principal Garska and class advisers among those who helped reunite students and coordinate with law enforcement.

At public comment, parent Nicole Lackey, whose son was on the trip, said she was "extremely grateful for the professionalism of all of the teachers and staff" and described receiving prompt updates via the Remind app and direct communication from advisers. She told the board that her son's bus returned to the high school about 10:20 p.m. and that she appreciated principal and staff efforts to manage communications with families.

Mr. Bowman said counselors were made available to students upon their return to school the following Tuesday. Board members and other speakers at the meeting echoed thanks to staff and community responders for bringing students back safely.

The district noted that parents and guardians were kept informed during the incident and that transportation and reunification plans were adjusted on short notice to accommodate police directions and student needs. No serious injuries were reported in the meeting discussion.