Dr. Adrienne Battle has expressed profound sorrow in response to the tragic shooting that occurred at Antioch High School this morning. In her statement, she emphasized the heartbreak this incident has caused for the Antioch community and all of Nashville Public Schools. Dr. Battle extended her condolences to the families affected, acknowledging the unimaginable loss they are experiencing.
She praised the prompt actions of the school staff, who implemented emergency protocols, potentially averting further tragedy. Additionally, she recognized the swift response from the Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department, which played a critical role in addressing the crisis.
Dr. Battle reiterated the commitment of Nashville Public Schools to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident to enhance safety measures and prevent such occurrences in the future. She reminded the community that schools are traditionally places for learning, friendship, and growth, and it’s vital not to allow this tragedy to overshadow the positive experiences of the district’s 80,000 students.
In light of the event, Antioch High School will be closed for the remainder of the week to allow students and staff time to grieve. The district is also facilitating grief counseling and other support services for those affected.
While Antioch High School will be closed, other schools in the district will remain operational. School counseling teams will be available to assist students who may need help processing this devastating event. Dr. Battle affirmed the district’s commitment to supporting the Antioch High School community in the coming days and thanked the Nashville community for their ongoing support during this challenging time.
In summary, this tragic incident has prompted a strong community response and a commitment to safety and healing. It highlights the resilience of the educational environment and the ongoing efforts to provide support and counseling for those impacted. There is hope that with unified efforts, healing can begin, and the Antioch community can emerge stronger.