Harford Co. schools announce a safety meeting a month after a deadly school shooting

HARFORD CO., Md. – More than a month after a student was shot at Joppatowne High School, Harford County Public Schools announced a community safety meeting.

The school, along with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, is hosting a community meeting later this month to discuss school safety.

The district sent an email to parents/guardians today advising that attendance is limited to 100 people and that you must register to attend.

The safety briefing follows the death of a student in the bathroom at Joppatowne High School. On Friday, September 6, 15-year-old Warren Grant was shot and killed after a fight with another student.

Shortly after the shooting, the sheriff’s office arrested 16-year-old Jaylen Prince. He is charged as an adult with murder and assault.

Days later, parents started a petition calling on HCPS to install metal detectors and require students to use clear backpacks. At last check, more than 4,200 people had signed this petition.

A new bag policy has been issued for sporting events, allowing spectators to bring small or clear bags of a certain size. Anyone who does not adhere to the guidelines will not be allowed to take part in the event.

New lockers were installed at Joppatowne High School. Previously, not every student had access to it.

Students must now store their bags in lockers instead of carrying them around between classes.

Parents attended school board meetings and expressed concerns about safety in schools.

School board member Diane Alvarez and Vice President Melissa Hahn called for the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Sean Buslon and claimed he failed to take action for safety reasons.

Hahn said, Dr. Bulson was negligent. Other board members and district school staff supported him.

“I have been here in Harford County for 20 years. “I’ve been through five or six superintendents, and let me say this: You are probably the most effective superintendent I’ve ever worked under,” Edgewood Middle School teacher Heather Tucci said at last month’s board meeting:

The safety meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Patterson Mill Middle/High School and will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Participants meet in small discussion groups to develop possible ideas and solutions to maintain and improve school safety.

If you can’t attend the meeting but would like to share an idea, you can provide feedback using the same link you used to register for the event.