Comal ISD Superintendent John Chapman today asked the community to honor the Hill Country College Preparatory High School (HCCPHS) teacher shot by a student Monday by wearing blue or blue ribbons.
Blue is the school’s color.
In a video, he invoked scripture from the New Testament but did not talk about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The shepherd leaves the 99 to go after the one because the single one matters,” he said. “Today we are called to do the same, to support the one teacher, the one campus that needs us right now, and to support them with love, care and compassion as we bring them back into the fold.”
Chapman promised the community it will “heal together” and said additional counseling services will be provided to students.
The student shot and killed himself right after shooting his teacher. She remains hospitalized. Her condition is unknown.
Comal ISD Chief Communications Director Christina Eckert said HCCPHS will remain closed for the rest of the week but would not release the names of the student or teacher at this time.
She said the public can learn more about the district’s safety-and-security policies on its website.
Under state law, school districts are required to have armed school resource officers (SROs) on all campuses.
But Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds told the San Antonio Express today that a Bulverde police officer contracted to provide security at the campus was not present when the shooting occurred in a classroom at around 8:30 a.m. Monday. School starts at 8:55 a.m.
A GoFundMe organized by Kyra Barstad to cover medical bills for the wounded teacher has raised $16,256 of its $20,000 goal since Monday.
Barstad said she learned the school district will cover the teacher’s medical expenses and plans to use the money for the “beloved teacher” or for school and staff.
The GoFundMe describes the woman as “a teacher who has always gone above and beyond for her students and colleagues. She is known for her kindness, treating everyone with care and respect, and making her classroom feel like a family. She encourages her students and coworkers to be their best selves every day, creating a positive and nurturing environment for all. She is truly well-loved by everyone in the school community.”