'We can't really prosper': Student concerned about fear created by weapons at CMS schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Parents, teachers, and students at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said they are fed up with the constant fear created by potentially armed classmates.

This week, guns were found at two of the district's schools, leading to lockdowns and charges for students.

[ALSO READ: CMS says student brought gun on bus to Ranson Middle School in north Charlotte]

Despite increased security measures to deter students from bringing weapons to school after the deadly Butler High School shooting, a loaded gun was found at South Meck High School this week and yesterday, and unloaded gun was found on Ranson Middle School's campus.

CMS senior and President of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council Righteous Keitt said he feels students can't prosper if they constantly worry about being shot.

"We can't really study, we can't really prosper the way that we should if we have to worry about being shot, if we have to worry about students being able to bring a gun to school," Keitt said. "I think there's more that everyone can be doing. It's not really anything we can wait on."

Keitt said he agrees with the increased measures at CMS, but wants to see more.

He said students need to speak up more if they see someone struggling, fighting, or bullying.

[ALSO READ: No weapons found as CMS continues new security screenings at randomly selected high schools]

Keitt added local lawmakers need to get involved as well.

"We have to take the time and look at the laws right now and policies that are allowing guns to get in the hands of children," Keitt said.

CMS Board Vice Chair Elyse Dashew said the entire community needs to dig deep together to solve the issue.

"We as a school district and parents and grandparents and mentors need to be asking kids what are your solutions? Or why are people bringing guns to school, where are we finding the guns? What can we do about access to guns? What can we do to help kids make better decisions," Dashew said.

Dashew said the push for more guidance counselors, social workers, and psychologists is going to have a real impact and that we can expect that to come up during the budget season.

Keitt is also one of a handful of students helping to lead a Youth Townhall discussion about violence in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, which will be led by Project Bolt.

It will be held on March 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Delta House on Beatties Ford Road.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: