Parent says security lapses at Southwest High football game left students 22frightened22

A Tarboro parent told the Edgecombe County Public Schools board on Oct. 13 that a Sept. 12 incident at a Southwest High School football game left students and families frightened and raised questions about event security and district communication.

"I know this firsthand because I received a phone call from my daughter crying, frightened, and unsure of what was happening," said Reginald D. Harris during the public-comment period, describing an unattended case and multiple points of entry that, he said, lacked oversight. Harris asked six specific questions the district should answer, including why parents were not contacted until two days later, how deputies were assigned to monitor surrounding areas, and what steps the district will take to ensure safety at future athletic events.

The board did not provide a detailed response during the public-comments segment; the chair thanked Harris for speaking. Harris said he wants "a stronger, clearer plan to protect our children and the community." The board took no immediate formal action on the incident during the meeting.

Why it matters: Athletic events are community gatherings with hundreds of attendees. Parents and staff sought clarity about how many security personnel are assigned, how students who should not be admitted are screened, and why the district27s first outreach to families came two days after the incident. The questions implicate both event staffing decisions and the district27s communication protocols.

What happened next: Harris27s call for answers was recorded in the public-comment minutes; the board did not announce a follow-up timeline at the meeting. The district staff and board have opportunities to respond in subsequent meetings or in direct communications to families.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 092, topfinish SEG 150