INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Imagine South Vero Charter student who recently posed in a selfie with two BB guns has been removed from school, according to a letter sent to Charter parents and shared via social media.
The letter, dated March 9 and penned by Imagine Schools Regional Director Jennifer Fornes, lists several steps the Vero Beach school has taken in the nearly two weeks since the student posted the selfie with the caption of “goin to the shootin range today (school)”.
Authorities investigated the photo and went to the child’s home and determined the guns in the photo were BB guns and no firearms were present. The State Attorney’s Office determined there was no threat made in the photo and declined to press charges.
Fornes wrote in the letter to parents that the school has had and will continue to have counselors visiting classrooms this week and next to ensure students have the support they need. She also noted that a facilities expert also toured the campus, checking and reinforcing the fencing, access points, gates and classroom doors.
Law enforcement has been on scene this week and will continue through the rest of week, according to Fornes. The school is also finalizing a contract for a security guard to be on campus through the remainder of the school year.
Fornes also wrote that the Governing Board of Imagine will review and revise the Student Code of Conduct and is expected to adopt changes in the future.
“Parents, please be assured that our highest priority remains the safety of our students.” Fornes wrote. “We will continue to work on reviewing and strengthening policies that improve both student safety and parent communication.”
