Teacher Remains Hospitalized After School Shooting

A teacher at Hill Country College Preparatory High School in San Antonio, Texas, is currently in stable condition following a shooting that occurred on Monday morning. The teacher was wounded by a 15-year-old student who subsequently took his own life.

Gun Belonged to Student’s Grandfather

Authorities have confirmed the firearm used in the incident was a .357 revolver owned by the student’s grandfather. The gun was reportedly taken from the grandfather’s home and brought onto the school campus. Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds stated that leaving a firearm accessible to a minor could result in legal repercussions.

School Security and Officer Presence

According to the Texas Education Code, school districts are mandated to have at least one armed security officer present during regular school hours. While Hill Country College Preparatory High School has an agreement with the Bulverde Police Department for a School Resource Officer (SRO), the officer’s scheduled hours are 8:55 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. The shooting took place at 8:34 a.m., prior to the officer’s official start time.

Shooting Location and Potential for Further Harm

The incident occurred in a second-floor classroom while the majority of students were in the cafeteria. Officials believe this timing likely prevented a greater number of injuries. The school was immediately placed on lockdown.

Reunification and Legislative Response

Students were transported to a nearby middle school for reunification with their families. Long lines of anxious parents, some praying, waited to be reunited with their children. State Representative Josie Garcia, who helped pass a school security law in 2023, expressed criticism, calling the situation “gross negligence.”

Calls for Enhanced Security Measures

Garcia emphasized the need for officers to be present on campus before the school day officially begins, questioning the timing of current security protocols. She also highlighted the importance of addressing mental health concerns, stating, “We understand that guns will get in the hands of bad actors…children are losing their lives.”

Further Legislative Action Planned

State Representative Mihaela Plesa also called for stricter regulations and indicated her intention to address the issue during the next legislative session, emphasizing the need for safe learning environments. It remains unknown whether the grandfather was aware the gun was missing.

School Reopening

Hill Country College Preparatory High School, part of Comal ISD and known for its STEAM-based curriculum, is expected to reopen on the Tuesday following Easter. The district is currently addressing requests for information regarding the SRO staffing schedule.