Effingham County School District officials have confirmed that a student was found with a gun at the Effingham College and Career Academy late last month. The discovery came after a teacher suspected the student might be under the influence of a substance, leading school authorities to take immediate action.

Upon observing unusual behavior, the teacher notified school officials, who proceeded to search the student’s backpack. During the search, the weapon was located, prompting swift intervention by school staff to secure the situation. While details surrounding the student’s intentions and the nature of any potential substance influence remain undisclosed, the school emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety and security on campus.

Local authorities were contacted to assist with the incident, and the school district has assured parents and the community that they are taking all necessary precautions to address the situation. School officials did not release further details on any disciplinary actions but reiterated the importance of their protocols in ensuring a safe environment for all students and staff.

​​”We are grateful to the teacher and paraprofessional, our school administrators, and our SRO for their vigilance and quick response, which ensured the safety of everyone on campus,” Superintendent Yancy Ford said in a written statement.

This incident highlights the school district’s vigilant response to any potential threat, reaffirming its dedication to maintaining a secure educational setting. Experts say that the best way to keep a school safe is vigilantly following safety protocols to stop threats before they escalate. 

Superintendent Yancy emphasized transparency in his statement after the incident and parents and students are encouraged to reach out to school administration with any concerns.