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By Tricia McManus
WS/FCS superintendent

Today was a traumatic day for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and one that will not soon be forgotten. We lost one of our Mount Tabor students in a senseless shooting and we are all heartbroken.

“First, I want to extend my sympathy and prayers to the family of our deceased student and to all students, staff, and parents at Mt. Tabor, who have had to endure the unthinkable today. Please know the entire district is with you,” said WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus.

McManus went on to say, “I want to thank parents across the district for their patience and understanding during our preventative lockdowns, which were done out of an abundance of caution and to assist our law enforcement partners with their investigation. I know how awful it must have been to be separated from your children during this incident, and I am sure that you held your children tighter when they arrived home this afternoon.”

Superintendent McManus publicly thanked the staff at Mount Tabor High School as they immediately responded to the shooting victim and secured the building and kept all other students safe.  She said, “Their bravery and quick thinking cannot go unnoticed.”

WS/FCS says thank you to our law enforcement partners who responded quickly and without hesitation. Law enforcement has made the district aware that the suspect is in custody tonight.

Counselors and the WS/FCS Crisis Team will be available at an offsite location for parents, students, and staff of Mount Tabor. Specific details are being communicated to Mount Tabor families and staff. The district also wants parents to know that any children experiencing distress or anxiety related to this incident are encouraged to reach out to your school counselor for support.

The safety of our students is our most important priority, and the district assures you it will be reviewing all the details of this incident. WS/FCS will continue to keep everyone informed.