The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction reported a significant increase in weapons incidents at Washington’s public and private schools for the 2022-23 school year. According to the new report released annually, there were 2,275 incidents involving the possession of weapons on school premises, a rise of 11.6% from the previous year.Among these incidents, 316 involved firearms, all occurring in public schools.
Seattle Public Schools is its own family; now and always they need support and embrace from the community to deliver much needed care for students and staff –– especially in tragedy," Reykdal said. "Every Washington student has the right to feel safe and supported in their place of learning."Reykdal emphasized the urgent need to address the public health crisis of easy access to guns, urging parents, educators and community members to work together to prevent such tragedies.