Dear Colleagues, Partners and Community Members:
 
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the tragedy that occurred earlier today at Lanier High School. I regret to inform you that a student died at the school due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. No other students or staff members were harmed.
 
I would like to commend our schools team and first responders, especially Principal Katherine Ryan for her leadership and AISD Police Chief Eric Mendez for securing the school immediately and leading the on-going investigation with the Austin Police Department to ensure classes could resume tomorrow.

AISD will provide additional counselors for Lanier students and staff members throughout the week and as needed. Students, families and staff members also can call the Austin Travis County’s mobile crisis outreach team for 24-hour counseling over the phone at 512-472-HELP (4357) for additional support.
 
I encourage our community to continue to come together to support each other and our students. Please take the time throughout the school year to remind students that if they are ever worried about the well-being or safety of a friend or student to please contact an adult immediately. For more information about counseling students during a time of tragedy, please visit the AISD website.
 
Today’s incident also is a tragic reminder that we must all remain vigilant to safeguard our campuses. AISD asks our team members, families and community members to help us ensure our schools remain safe by alerting principals if they have any safety concerns.
 
Thank you for everything you do every day to keep our students safe.
 
Regards,

Meria Carstarphen
Superintendent