Student Caught With Gun With CMS Leaders On Campus

A high school student is accused of bringing a loaded gun to class on the same day that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools leaders gathered at the school.

Administrators said security personnel found the weapon in the 17-year-old sophomore’s backpack at E.E. Waddell High School early Wednesday. They said other students had alerted staff members.

CMS leaders, including Superintendent Peter Gorman, were at the school for the district’s weekly media briefing. They were meeting in a science lab to tout the school’s successful science program.

Administrators said the student does not have a history of behavioral problems, and the isolated incident should not reflect poorly on the school.

“Kids make poor decisions, and this was a bad decision, and this student is bright. It was not expected, but he made a poor decision,” said Waddell Principal Lisa Bowen. “But the good news is that students came forward and told teachers that he had a gun.”

The weapon is the fourth gun found on a CMS campus this school year. A total of 12 were found at CMS schools during the 2007-2008 academic year.

CMS leaders have not said why the student brought the gun to class, but they said he had not made any threats.

The student is charged with possession of a loaded firearm on school property, which is a felony.