After Students Found With Weapons, Renewed Calls to Address Safety at Boston Schools

Students at two Boston schools brought weapons in on Thursday, school officials say, the latest in a series of incidents that have parents, school officials and city leaders looking at ways to improve safety in the district.

Police were called to the James Condon School in South Boston after the knife was confiscated by staff, according to a letter sent home to families. No one was hurt. The student could face disciplinary action.

"Unfortunately, firearms and knives are far too accessible to our young people and the pandemic continues to have lingering effects on students and adults. We're seeing this in myriad ways, especially regarding mental health and how people respond to moments of conflict. It is critical that students share with staff if they see or hear something that makes them feel unsafe," Superintendent Mary Skipper said in a statement Thursday.

NBC10 Boston has reached out to Boston Police for more information.

Also on Thursday, weapons were confiscated from a student at the City on a Hill Charter School in Roxbury, according to school officials. A letter sent home to families said that staff was tipped off by another student that the weapons were on campus and reacted accordingly.

"No one was in danger at any time, and there was no physical altercation. Safety is paramount at City on a Hill, and the school is grateful for the active cooperation of students, families, staff, and local police, as we all work together to maintain an environment in which all students feel safe in school each and every day," the note reads.

City councilor Ed Flynn said the weapons involved in that incident included a taser, kitchen knife and meat cleaver. Those items were also confiscated.

These are the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about safety and security in Boston Public Schools, including one at the same school last year when ammunition was found in a bathroom. The apparent uptick in violence has prompted some city councilors to call for metal detectors and police at schools.

Flynn, who supports that proposal, said these are examples of the violence problem they're having in city schools.

“We desperately need to deal with it and that will take making sure we get mental health counselors, social workers in our schools, but we also need a public safety presence in our public schools as well,” Flynn said.

Condon parents also told NBC10 Boston that problems are recurring.

"Sending them here, it’s just….I’m always thinking of what’s going on while they’re here. This isn’t the first incident this year. It’s nerve-wracking," one parent said.

This is a developing news story that will be updated when more information is available.