COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Nearly two weeks after a fight broke out inside Westerville South High School’s hallway, district leaders say the school is safe.
According to Westerville police records, 14 teens are charged, and some of them are students at the high school. They range in age from 14 to 18.
“It’s always unfortunate when anyone brings any type of disruption to our schools, but I was very glad that the outcome was not as bad as it could have been,” said Steven McElroy, Westerville City Schools’ Director of Safety and Security.
McElroy said he’s taken several steps to keep students and staff safe since the incident on April 22. When asked to share specifics, he said, “I’d really rather not.”
“I just really want to again reiterate that information was communicated to our families, and we just want to lean on that,” McElroy said.
ABC6/FOX28 has a copy of the letter that was sent to families. It includes three changes that were implemented the Monday following the fight. Students can only access the building through the main office or one other door. All late students must enter through the main office. Seniors leading for lunch must now exit and re-enter through the main office or Door 12.
According to the district and police, students opened locked doors to let the other teens in the building, who then engaged in the fight.
AC6/FOX28 asked McElroy how the district is able to prevent students from letting people in who should not be inside school buildings.
“Well, again, what was communicated via email to families really outlines the fact that we have made some changes. And those changes are definitely being followed. And our school is more safer now,” McElroy responded.
The teens involved face charges including resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and assault. Police said they found a Glock replica BB gun in one of the involved students’ backpacks.
“Our school districts are safe, and we’re doing everything that we can to keep our students and staff safe,” McElroy said.
Monday marked the first Westerville Board of Education meeting since the fight. It was not addressed during the meeting.
