Message from Washington State Superintendent of Instruction Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal: My Heart Goes Out to Victims [of Freeman High School]

Reykdal: My Heart Goes Out to Victims

Today, multiple people were shot – and one was killed – at Freeman High School, southeast of Spokane. The shooter is in custody. Below is a statement from Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal on the shootings.

My heart goes out to the victims of the shooting, their families, and the entire community.

I contacted the district and offered any help my agency can provide. I also reached out to the school’s educational service district, and they are already bringing in resources to the Freeman schools. That includes mental health support for students and teachers. In these tragedies, having that support for students and staff as early as possible is critical.

Washington is not immune to the violence that affects many other communities across the country. This time it happened in a small town – Rockford, population less than 500. Rockford is the home of Freeman High School, the Scotties.

As a parent, this is my worst fear. I grew up in a small town, and I know that Rockford’s citizens will unite and help each other get through this.

There are many details we don’t know at this time. What I do know is that this is yet another example of senseless gun violence. It shakes our communities, but we stand with the Freeman School District and the families of the district's communities.