Tighter security, higher absenteeism at Twin Falls schools

Twin Falls schools officials are tightening security after a fatal drive-by shooting and an accidental gunshot at a school, the Twin Falls Times-News reported Tuesday.

Wiley Dobbs
Twin Falls Superintendent Wiley Dobbs

Parents and district staff were left shaken by the two events.

Last week, three students were arrested after an accidental gunshot at Robert Stuart Middle School; no one was injured in the incident. On Saturday, Canyon Ridge High School ninth-grader Vason Widaman was killed in a drive-by shooting. No arrests have been made in connection with Widaman’s death.

In an automated message Sunday night, Superintendent Wiley Dobbs said the district would tighten security, although he said the two events do not appear to be related. But on Monday, about 15 percent of Robert Stuart’s students were absent, the Times-News reported. That’s about double the normal absentee rate.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday