“Our hearts are broken over the news of another child’s life lost in one of our schools today in Richmond. Our thoughts go out to the entire Richmond community and the students, educators and families of David W. Dennis Intermediate School. This is the time of year when students and educators are looking forward to the holidays and instead today were faced with a senseless tragedy – a tragedy that could have turned out much worse if not for the tip authorities received ahead of time. Our kids, educators and schools deserve better. No one should feel unsafe at school.

I encourage educators and families to review resources the National Education Association has developed for safe schools and coping with school violence. More information can be found at nea.org/safeschools.”