Marina
ERIE, Kansas – A wave of anger has swept through the small town of Erie after several parents accused school administrators of mishandling a serious threat made by a student. The situation, parents say, has left them feeling betrayed and deeply concerned about their children’s safety.
“There needs to be a big change,” said Jeremy Ewan, father of an Erie High School student. His sentiment reflects a growing frustration among local families demanding transparency and responsibility from school officials.
The Incident That Sparked Concern
On September 29, Grace Hendrickson, a student at Erie High School, reported to Principal Robert Schneeburger that a sophomore boy had threatened to “shoot up the school.”
Her mother, Lori Hendrickson, said her daughter’s fear was genuine, especially after recent nationwide school shootings.
Grace recalled her meeting with the principal:
“He said he was going to shoot up the school… I told the principal, and he said I was exaggerating and just being dramatic,” she explained.
The alleged dismissal of the threat by school authorities prompted outrage. Lori Hendrickson expressed her frustration, saying, “It shouldn’t have taken nine students to come forward. One is enough.”
Other students echoed similar feelings, claiming their concerns were brushed aside. “They always tell us to report things, but when we do, we get blamed as if we’re the problem,” said Taeleigh Schultz, another Erie student.
Police Involvement and Arrest
After several students came forward, Erie police were contacted, but by that time, the accused student had already left the building with a parent.
Police later located and arrested the juvenile suspect, identified as Gavin Small, who now faces seven felony charges of criminal threat.
Erie Police Chief Brett Ross confirmed the arrest, stating, “We located the juvenile, and he was brought back to the police department.”
The school district later posted on Facebook, assuring parents that no active threat existed and that the administration had acted based on available information.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
Despite the school’s statement, many parents remain unconvinced. They argue that administrators should treat every potential threat seriously, regardless of initial assumptions.
Chief Ross acknowledged that “some things could have been handled differently.” Parents are now demanding clearer safety protocols and greater accountability from school leaders.
“It’s our kids,” said Ewan. “You’re responsible for their safety—better to overreact than regret later.”
Administrative Action and Parental Distrust
Following the controversy, Superintendent Scott Palser released a statement saying, “USD 101 takes any threat to our students and staff seriously,” but he declined to provide details due to confidentiality.
A week later, on October 7, Palser issued another letter to parents stating that Principal Schneeburger would be away from the high school for a period of time. Parents, however, interpreted this as a sign of disciplinary action.
Ewan voiced what many felt: “The letter should have said the principal is on leave pending an investigation. Let’s be transparent.”
The lack of clarity has fueled mistrust and disappointment among parents. “I send my kids to that school trusting them,” said Hendrickson. “Now that trust is broken—and you can’t get it back.”
Legal Status and Next Steps
Court records show that Gavin Small remains charged as a juvenile but is not currently in custody. Attempts to reach the USD 101 school board for comment were unsuccessful.
The Erie High School incident underscores a larger issue faced by communities across the U.S.—how schools handle potential threats.
While the district insists safety remains a top priority, parents demand more transparency, accountability, and proactive responses to protect students.
The situation remains tense as the investigation continues and community trust hangs in the balance.