OKLAHOMA CITY – After a shooting threat closed the entire Tecumseh School District last week, two state lawmakers said they would push for legislation during the next legislative session to make public schools safer.
The district closed all of its campuses last Monday and Tuesday after a student was arrested for making threats toward the school on social media. Law enforcement officials said the student posted a message containing threatening language and images involving weapons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office about the incident.
Oklahoma City television station KOCO reported the student admitted during an interview with investigators that he planned to 'shoot up' his school and cause harm to others. That student was taken into custody and faces charges of terroristic threats, threatening acts of violence and violation of the Computer Crimes Act.
Last Monday school officials said they would not reopen until after fall break.
The incident and the school’s closure drew a response from Republican state Reps. Danny Sterling, R-Tecumseh, and Dell Kerbs, R-Shawnee.
“As a former educator of 40 years, 16 of those as a principal at Tecumseh High School, I understand the fear and uncertainty that come with threats like this. No parent should have to wonder if their child is safe at school,” Sterling said in a joint media statement with Kerbs. “Going into this next legislative session, we must make school safety, including the discussion of metal detectors and funding to further support them, a top priority. Our students, parents and teachers deserve peace of mind knowing that our schools are safe places to learn and grow.”
Kerbs said lawmakers and other officials are working together to ensure the safety of Oklahoma communities.
'Shawnee and District 26 stand ready to support our neighbors,' Kerbs said. 'We are concerned, and we are committed to doing everything possible to provide the safety our schools need.'
Both lawmakers said should the district want to purchase metal detectors, funding is available. They said public school boards in Oklahoma can purchase metal detectors through various means, including general funds, the School Security Revolving Fund, grant opportunities and federal resources.
State lawmakers will return to the Capitol for the Second Session of the 60th Oklahoma Legislature in February 2026.