‘Safety concern’ prompts evacuation of Gonzales High School

Gonzales High School students were evacuated Wednesday, Feb. 15, after GISD received information about a “possible safety concern” at the school campus, according to a district representative.

The incident occurred at about 12:15 p.m., said Veronica Johannsen, director of communications, marketing, safety and security for the district.

“GISD police immediately began investigating and evacuated students as a precaution to Apache Field,” Johannsen said. “GISD buses are currently transporting students. Parents are asked to take their ID to pick their student up from Apache Field.

“Gonzales ISD is working with the authorities on this incident. All students are safe.”

At Apache Field, students were being told to remain seated in the bleachers until their parents or guardians arrived for them. Announcements were made over the PA system to let students know when it was OK for them to meet up with their family.

A large crowd of parents were lined outside the south entrance to the stadium, creating a bottleneck for GISD officials who were trying to reunite students with their parents.

"As we continue our investigation at Gonzales High School, we are asking students, staff, and parents to remain off-site until further notice. You will not be allowed into Gonzales High School or the parking lot area. We ask for your patience and cooperation at this time," the district said in a press release on Facebook.

At the high school, law enforcement officers from a number of agencies, including Texas Department of Public Safety, Gonzales Police Department, Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, Gonzales County Constable Precinct 1, Gonzales County Constable Precinct 3 and Gonzales County Emergency Management were assisting in securing the perimeter around the campus and directing bus and car traffic out and away from the school.

No further information was available at press time.