Medford students return to class with increased police presence

MEDFORD, Mass. — Students in Medford returned to class Tuesday with an increased police presence after they were closed Monday so staff could go over security policies.

At McGlynn Middle School, police conducted an extra sweep of the building over the weekend, and students in all schools will notice a stepped-up police presence this week.

"We wanted to make sure parents and children felt safe coming back," Medford police Chief Leo Sacco said. "We met with the staff (Monday). We think we're off to a good start."

MORE: 25 Investigates: Gun magazine found in Medford school went unreported

The move came in the wake of a situation that began in late December when a loaded gun magazine was found in the theater of the McGlynn Middle School.

It went unreported by the school principal and superintendent for seven weeks, and wasn’t reported to the police chief.

The principal also reportedly threw the magazine away after it was placed in his office.

On Tuesday, the School Committee held a special meeting with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.

At that meeting, it was learned that another administrator - the principal at the McGlynn Elementary School - found out about the loaded magazine in early January, but didn't report it because Superintendent Belson already knew.

MORE: Medford principal on leave after gun magazine found at school went unreported

Parents have been outraged by the delay in the investigation, and the lack of communication about it.

"The police presence makes me feel safe and it makes my children feel safe, they’ve all said that they want to see a police officer at the school," parent Amy Deterding said. "My daughter is at the high school and wants to see a police officer there. I think it just goes a long way to put their fears to rest."

Medford school officials have released statements about how teachers will explain the extra police presence to students, depending on their grade level.

MORE: Furious parents calling for resignation of Medford superintendent

For example, no explanation will be given to preschoolers. In kindergarten, students are being told the police are in the building as helpers to keep them safe.

At the elementary school level, students are being told there was a safety concern and that police searched the buildings.

Then at the middle school level, the information was more specific.

“Over winter break, bullets with no gun were found in the McGlynn Auditorium,” one of the statements reads. “Many police officers and police dogs searched every part of every school building (inside and out). Police officers have ensured us we are safe.”

The statement goes on to say students will see more police officers at the school, and explains the school principal is on leave.

So far, the principal is the only person to be put on leave. However, the superintendent and school resource officer are also facing criticism for not reporting the gun magazine.

Cox Media Group