Oct 13, 2016 2 min read

MONONGAHELA – A student at Ringgold High School discovered a district security officer’s gun Thursday in a restroom at the Carroll Township building, the school’s principal announced online.

The weapon was secured in a safe at the school after the student reported the find to a teacher, Ringgold High School Principal Jason Minniti stated in a letter to parents that was posted on the district’s website.

“As with all matters of student safety, we have taken this very seriously and acted accordingly,” Minniti stated in the letter.

Ringgold Superintendent Karen Polkabla said she could not comment on whether or not the security officer, who has not been identified, was suspended because of the oversight because it involved a “personnel matter.”

Minniti stated in the letter to parents he wrote it to ensure they had accurate information from the district in regards to the gun.

“This is one area where I need your help,” he stated. “Please encourage your child to let a teacher, administrator or any school staff member know if a situation exists which could ever place them or others in danger.”

Polkabla said student safety is very important to the district, that policies and procedures have been developed and implemented there to protect students.

“Today, one of those procedures was not followed, as a result a service weapon was left unsecured,” Polkabla said.

She said she praised the students and school employees who did follow “established procedures” which ensured everyone was safe at all times Thursday.

“We will continue to work diligently to protect our students,” Polkabla said.