Parents say they feel safer heading into the new school year after learning that a student who brought a loaded firearm to Arlington High School last year will not be returning to campus.
The decision was finalized Monday, just hours before a packed Arlington Public Schools board meeting where families pressed officials on safety concerns. District leaders confirmed the outcome followed a meeting between the superintendent and the student’s family, describing the choice as “mutual.”
Arlington High School planned on letting a student back on campus who was charged after bringing a loaded handgun to school. Police said the weapon had a bullet in the chamber, the safety off, and an extra full magazine.
After parent outrage, the student won't be returning pic.twitter.com/jZ0c2w8CBd
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) August 26, 2025
The 14-year-old boy was arrested in February 2024 and charged with a felony after bringing a loaded handgun to school. Police said the weapon had a bullet in the chamber, the safety off, and an extra full magazine. Two additional magazines were also found in the student’s possession. He was expelled following the incident.
🚨BREAKING: unDivided has learned that the Arlington HS student who brought a loaded gun to school in 2024 will NO LONGER be returning to classes this fall. The development comes after the school met with the student's family amid blowback from parents. https://t.co/OGQQMNecrF
— Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) August 26, 2025
Due to privacy laws, district officials declined to say whether the student will transfer elsewhere or complete coursework online.
The update comes after more than 1,300 parents and community members signed a petition urging Arlington Public Schools to adopt stricter policies for students with violent or serious criminal records.
Before the decision was made for the student not to return, in response to parent outrage at not being informed about the situation, district officials had proposed assigning a staff member to monitor the student, not allowing him to bring a backpack to school, prohibiting his use of cell phones, conducting searches, and limiting access to campus outside class hours. Rather than have a meeting, parents were informed of the measures in a robo-call.
This voicemail went out today. pic.twitter.com/DdBJiZQjBs
— Scottito ☀️ (@scottito22) August 22, 2025
The petition, directed at the District 16 School Board, argued that while rehabilitation is important, “it’s crucial to prioritize the safety and protection of our young ones.” It recommended alternative programs tailored for at-risk students rather than returning them to a traditional classroom environment.
District spokesperson Gary Sabol called the decision a step forward for school safety. “I’m relieved that he won’t be coming back because I think it is the right decision. It’ll keep him safe. It’ll keep other students safe, as well as our staff.”
The decision comes just days before the start of the new school year on September 3. In a statement, the district underscored its commitment to balancing student rights with community safety, “We value our partnership with families and the trust you place in us,” the statement read. “Our response in this matter has been guided by Washington state law, and we remain committed to ensuring a safe and supportive school environment.”
