Gun found in student’s backpack at metro-east elementary school

New Athens police are investigating after a student brought a gun to the elementary and junior high building on Monday, school officials said.

District 60 Superintendent Brian Karraker said Tuesday an unloaded gun was found in a student’s backpack in the elementary wing of the school in the late morning or early afternoon. The situation was addressed immediately, he said.

Another student reported the gun, Karraker said.

“The safety of our students is our number one priority always,” Karraker said.

Elementary and Junior High Principal Stephanie Kennedy addressed the situation in an email sent shortly after 4 p.m. Kennedy said a student possessed a weapon at school but did not specify that it was a gun, and said the weapon was confiscated as soon as it was found.

As Kennedy’s email states, Karraker said the incident was addressed in accordance with school policies and procedures. Disciplinary action is being taken, the email states, but school privacy laws prohibit the school from disclosing more information.

Karraker referred to the elementary student handbook, which applies to students in pre-K through fourth grade. District policy states that any student who brings a gun or other specified weapons to school, school-sponsored activities or events, or similar settings will be expelled for at least one year but no more than two calendar years.

The superintendent may modify the expulsion, and the board of education may change the superintendent’s decision “on a case-by-case basis.”

Some community members voiced concerns on social media about Kennedy’s email being sent hours after the incident was reported and not specifying what type of weapon was found.

Karraker stressed that the school acted quickly when the gun was reported. At that time, because the gun was not loaded, there was not an imminent threat to students or staff. Those factors influenced the school’s communications on the matter, Karraker said.

Student privacy laws and the ongoing nature of the investigation also influence what limited information the school can share, and when, Karraker added.

Karraker said the school district is still working with the New Athens Police Department as the investigation continues. He said more information will be shared soon.

Karraker encouraged students to always report anything suspicious to school employees.

New Athens Police Chief Tim Buehler confirmed his department is investigating an incident at the school Monday but declined to provide more details, citing the ongoing investigation.

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:22 PM.