I am in tears...a child has taken his own life and we as a school board and community could not even acknowledge this child by closing school at least for the rest of the day. Our children had to witness this sad act by a child who just did not know who to turn to. Yes, we do have to go own, but at least show that he mattered, regardless of his crime filled background, race, or age, he was someone's child. What kind of message does this send to our children...you tell them to talk to a counselor, their parents, a friend to help. But then you tell them we will continue school regardless, yeah even though you'll just witness a peer taking his own life. This is a sad day for Mobile County Public School, hypocrites....how sad!

I support the systems decision to keep classes in session. The message to our children should be clear, don't think that killing yourself is the answer to anything except for punishing the living. Why else would someone want to kill themselves in front of a group of people? Maybe to make a statement? That kind of statement should not be glorified especially with our children. Sympathy for the family and the witnesses who are ultimately the victims.

I agree with bobcat. This tragedy is a heartbreak for this young man's family and I do feel sympathy for any person - especially one that young - who feels there is no way out of a situation except death. But by taking the gun to school, he did something that could have resulted in injury or death or other innocent kids. Suicides never stop to think about the pain they're causing others. In fact often they WANT others to suffer as they feel they have. This kid, in his pain, caused more pain for lots of other kids who didn't deserve it...some who will be traumatized for the rest of their lives.

Wallowing around in the misery he caused by cancelling classes is not the answer. Teach the kids that nothing is solved by suicide, offer counseling and support to those who need it, and move on.

-nab

Think of the logistical challenge involved with closing the school. Would the school then have to run the buses to take all the kids home? What if Mom & Dad both work? Does the kid have a house key? Are his parents notified that their child will be taken home early? Multiply that by 1000 or so kids.... since the kids were not in danger, there was no real reason to close school. Parents were allowed to come get their student if they desired. I don't think it was that they "didn't care" so much as that closing the school would not have un-done the damage. Some people will be unhappy no matter what you choose. God bless the child who felt he had no other option, no hope, and God bless those who are impacted by his decision.

Ms. Connie,

The comment from prn was concerning school the next day not the day of the incident!