Parents criticize delayed notice after gun-related arrest; district apologizes, pledges tighter police coordination

Parents at a Morris School District board meeting criticized a delay in communication after an incident in which a loaded handgun was discovered near campus, and district officials apologized and pledged changes to coordination and notification procedures.

At public comment, John Daly of Morris Plains said he wanted answers after learning a loaded, defaced handgun had come into the school and questioned why parents received a letter only five days later. "I just don't understand why it took 5 days for parents to get a letter that there was a loaded gun, a defaced loaded gun that came into the school," Daly said, and asked whether the person entered the building and what would prevent a similar event in the future.

A district official responding to public comment acknowledged parents' frustration and accepted responsibility for the delay. "I accept responsibility for that. I apologize, and I clearly will tell you that lesson learned," the official said, adding that the district's ability to communicate was "significantly delayed by a lack of timely cooperation and response from law enforcement." The official said that in hindsight the district should have sent an initial notice stating there was police activity on campus and that details were limited pending an investigation.

To reduce future confusion, the district said it had met May 30 with chiefs of police from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains and the Morristown director of public safety and will institute quarterly coordination meetings. The district also said it will enhance use of its Raptor visitor-screening system, formalize police access to security cameras, add safety planning for large events and change arrival and departure processes in light of planned vestibules.

Several parents and a former police officer said the five-day gap was unacceptable. "Five days is inexcusable," Robert Fraser, a former officer who identified himself at the microphone, told the board. Members of the public praised Officer Little for his response during the incident; the district noted that staff and police have a strong working relationship.

The board did not take formal action on these items at the meeting; the district indicated next steps include quarterly law-enforcement coordination and ongoing review of communication protocols and building access procedures.