(The Dallas Examiner) – Four students were injured during a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in southeast Dallas on April 15, according to the Dallas Independent School District and local authorities. Tracy Haynes Jr., 17, turned himself in and was booked into the Dallas County Jail on charges of aggravated assault in connection with the mass shooting, CBS News reported.
After the incident, Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta felt compelled to visit the school that was once run by the city of Wilmer.
“The city of Wilmer Mayor and City Council are devastated to learn of the shooting that took place today at Wilmer-Hutchins High School. While this tragic event occurred outside of our city limits, many of our families, friends and neighbors are directly impacted, and our hearts go out to them,” Petta wrote to the media later that day.
“This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the work still ahead to ensure our schools remain places of safety and learning. We stand in solidarity with Hutchins, Dallas ISD, and everyone affected by today’s tragedy. We ask all Wilmer residents to join us in supporting our neighboring community during this time of healing and reflection.”
On April 24 the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees held its first monthly meeting since the incident took place. During the public session, community members and district staff voiced their thoughts and concerns regarding school safety. Resident Anthony Peterson emphasized the importance of having safety plans in place and in practice.
“Superintendent, those four students that were shot in your school and on your watch were given grace. But if grace wasn’t given and those four students were killed at your school and on your watch, what special safety plan of action would be implemented?” Peterson asked.
Mike Hook, another local resident, praised Dallas ISD law enforcement for their swift action at the time of the shooting, potentially preventing a larger number of injuries.
Dr. Patricia Doyle, a Dallas ISD physical therapist, serves as second vice-president of Alliance/AFT, an organization that represents Dallas ISD employees.
“Employees and students have the right to a healthy, safe and secure working and learning environment,” Doyle said as she introduced a proposed educators’ bill of rights to the trustees and superintendent.
District-wide service providers such as Doyle are not assigned to one campus. They travel to many campuses throughout each school day. Doyle explained that she and her peers have been awaiting access to automated district alerts regarding campus safety for two years.
“When we found out that there was a shooting at Wilmer-Hutchins, we had no way of knowing it except through the local news. I am certain that one day someone will arrive at a school at the wrong time because they didn’t know the danger that awaited them, and that would be a tragedy. We need to be better informed with fast, accurate information for our safety, and we need it now.”
Resident Kyle McGeehan expressed concerns about the long-term effects of school violence.
“Two years, two shootings, one location. Those are the sobering numbers that come to mind when reflecting on the tragedies Wilmer-Hutchins has endured,” McGeehan said, referencing a prior shooting that took place at the school on April 12, 2024.
“The damage brought by these disasters defies measurement. How many students have been permanently traumatized? How many years will it take for them to feel safe in their community again? And how much money will parents spend on therapy bills as a result of the district’s negligence? Unfortunately, it seems like our leaders care far more about a different type of data – the kind that could be found in bank accounts and on budget spreadsheets. What does that say about the people we’ve entrusted with our children’s future?”
After the public forum, the board retired to a closed session for about two hours; however, it was announced that no action was taken during that time. The next monthly Dallas ISD board meeting will be held on May 22 at 6 p.m. Residents can attend in person at 5151 Samuell Blvd., or view the meeting live at DallasISD.org.
Robyn H. Jimenez/The Dallas Examiner contributed to this report.