Pilot Butte Middle School in Bend, where a 12-year-old student brought a handgun to school on Oct. 21.  

After a student brought a loaded gun to Pilot Butte Middle School on Oct. 21, Bend-La Pine Schools went into support mode for students and staff while administrators cooperated with the law enforcement investigation. But then the district pivoted toward a comprehensive review of the incident.

The district annually reviews its safety systems and response procedures, though especially after a serious incident, said Communications Director Scott Maben. The district’s safety team also monitors school safety trends and new technology.

Bend-La Pine Schools is conducting an ongoing review of the incident at Pilot Butte Middle School. On Tuesday, everyone involved in the incident, including Bend Police Department, took part in an after-action review, said Maben. They went through the incident minute-by-minute to map everything out.

“We should not overlook that this incident, while alarming, had the best possible outcome when the student made the decision to approach a trusted teacher at school and disclose the possession of a gun,” wrote Maben in an email.

“Just as important was this teacher’s composed and decisive response to immediately lead the student out a nearby exit, locking the two of them outside and away from others, then calling for immediate assistance from the School Resource Officer on campus that day.” Maben wrote. “This combination of relationship-building, instinct, and our close partnership with law enforcement brought this incident to a swift and safe conclusion.”

The unnamed 12-year-old student is being held in a juvenile detention facility on suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, disorderly conduct, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree theft. Their parent was cited under an Oregon law that requires secure storage of firearms.

Up-to-date practices

Bend-La Pine Schools uses its student code of conduct to determine discipline when students do or say something threatening. It recently released an updated version of the code. The district first investigates what the student has done or said that may be interpreted as a safety threat. It uses a threat assessment system created by the Salem-Keizer School District.

“The primary goal is to provide an immediate and systematic response to youth who pose a serious threat to commit violence to others,” wrote Maben.

In addition to assessing and responding to the threat, the district works to make sure other students and staff are safe and are able to learn “free of the distraction caused by fear,” he wrote.

The district has a varied list of safety strategies. About 20 professionals in the district are focused on safety, including school resource officers, who are police officers. The district implements a training system of lockdown drills and other emergency responses. The district’s buildings are also secure, with perimeter fencing and secure entrances.

“We also have District staff who are trained in incident command response, emergency management, active threat response, Student Threat Assessment, reunification protocols, and first aid,” wrote Maben. “The District has invested in safety technology and equipment, including our visitor/volunteer management system, cameras inside and outside schools and on school buses, and controlled entry points with key card access.”

When a student involved in an incident returns to school afterward, the district works with the school to develop a plan to ensure the safety of the specific student, other students and staff. Each plan is particular to the specific situation.

When a student possesses, hides or uses a firearm at school, on school property or at an activity the district is managing, expulsion is mandatory according to the district’s policies, said Maben. Expulsion is also mandatory if a student brings the firearm to an academic activity run by an outside organization.

Students who spread threats may face consequences up to suspension or expulsion. An expulsion cannot exceed one calendar year under Oregon law.

If a student is expelled, the district is required to offer him or her alternative education, which may be in the form of an online program, home tutoring or other placements. The Deschutes County Juvenile Community Justice detention center has educational staff who provide coursework, and the district works with center staff. If a student moves to another district, Bend-La Pine Schools works with the new district to provide information on that student.

Other safety measures

The district recently expanded its team of school resource officers, who are from both the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bend Police Department, to eight. The newest addition is Officer James Ragland from the Bend Police Department.

Bend-La Pine Schools is also continuing to update its fire alarm systems in 18 schools this year and next. Schools continue to have door locks updated as well.

Several elementary schools, Bend Tech Academy, Summit High School and High Desert Middle School will be upgraded this fall and winter. The rest of the elementary schools, including the three elementary magnet schools, and Pacific Crest and Sky View middle schools, are scheduled to be upgraded next spring and summer. Bend High School will have its door locks upgraded as part of its ongoing remodel.

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