Safety ‘Our Greatest Priority’: ISD 279 Reacts To TX School Shooting

MAPLE GROVE, MN — Osseo Area Schools Superintendent Cory McIntyre sent a message to families Wednesday, highlighting the district’s safety measures and offering support to students in the wake of a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school.

An 18-year-old gunman killed 19 students and two adults Tuesday inside a single fourth-grade classroom at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, about 85 miles west of San Antonio, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson told NBC’s “The Today Show” on Wednesday.

Police eventually broke into the classroom the gunman barricaded himself in and killed him, Lt. Chris Olivarez said.

READ MORE: Texas School Shooting: What We Know About Uvalde Victims

“Yesterday’s tragic events at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, have shocked and saddened us,” McIntyre wrote. “Our hearts are with this school’s community — their students, families and educators.”

McIntyre urged parents to contact school officials if their children need support, noting school counselors, psychologists, social workers and administrators are available.

“Scholar and staff safety continues to be our greatest priority at Osseo Area Schools,” McIntyre wrote.

“An enormous amount of work has been put into our school safety plans and the training on those plans,” McIntyre wrote. “Our risk management team stays updated on industry best practices and partners with local law enforcement officials and first responders in this work.”

McIntyre asked parents to encourage their children to report if they hear or see anything suspicious by talking to a trusted adult or submitting an anonymous tip on the district’s “Speak Up” line.

McIntyre’s message also included several tips for parents, caregivers and educators from the National Association of School Psychologists.

“Please keep Robb Elementary School in your thoughts during this very difficult time,” McIntyre wrote.