Three school districts in the Grand Blanc area have canceled classes for Monday, September 29, in response to a mass shooting at a local church that has directly affected families within the school communities. The decision impacts students and staff at Grand Blanc Community Schools, Goodrich Area Schools, and Holy Family Catholic School.
The closures were announced after a violent incident on Sunday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, which resulted in at least four fatalities and eight injuries. School officials stated the day off is intended to give families time to process the tragic events.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Blanc Community Schools, Goodrich Area Schools, and Holy Family Catholic School are closed on Monday, Sept. 29.
- The closures are a direct response to a mass shooting at a church in Grand Blanc Township that impacted multiple school families.
- The incident on Sunday resulted in at least four people killed and eight others injured.
- School districts plan to have additional support resources and counselors available for students upon their return on Tuesday.
Districts Announce Closures to Support Families
In a letter distributed to parents and staff, Grand Blanc Community Schools Superintendent Trever Alward confirmed the decision to close all school buildings. He explained the measure was taken due to the significant impact of the tragedy on the district's community.
"In light of this incident's impact on our district, all Grand Blanc School buildings will be closed," Alward wrote in the communication. He emphasized the need for time and space for healing.
The superintendent further detailed the reasoning for the closure, stating that Monday "will allow time for families to process and mourn this tragedy with their children."
A Precautionary and Compassionate Measure
The decision to close schools reflects a growing awareness among educational institutions of the secondary trauma that can affect a community after a violent event. By providing a day for families to be together, districts aim to create a supportive environment before students are expected to return to a structured academic setting.
Alward also noted the closure would give the district and law enforcement additional time "to gain more insight into the details surrounding this event." This suggests a dual purpose for the closure: community well-being and logistical assessment.
Support Systems Planned for Students' Return
While classes are canceled for Monday, school administrators are already preparing for the students' return on Tuesday. Grand Blanc Community Schools has announced plans to have an increased presence of support staff on campus.
According to the district's statement, these additional resources will be available to help students navigate their feelings and concerns following the violent event in their community. The district has also encouraged parents and staff to communicate any specific student needs to school administrators to ensure appropriate support is provided.
"The district also urged parents and staff members to reach out to administrators with any concerns regarding students' needs during this tragedy," the official communication noted, highlighting a proactive approach to mental and emotional health.
Community-Wide Impact
The decision by Goodrich Area Schools and Holy Family Catholic School to also close indicates the wide-reaching impact of the incident. The interconnectedness of the communities in and around Grand Blanc means that many families outside a single district's official boundaries are likely affected.
Details of the Grand Blanc Township Incident
The school closures follow a deadly attack that unfolded on Sunday. Authorities have reported that a gunman opened fire inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during services.
Incident at a Glance
- Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Grand Blanc Township, MI
- Fatalities: At least 4 confirmed
- Injuries: 8 reported
- Suspect: Thomas Jacob Sanford, 40, of Burton, MI
Law enforcement officials have provided a timeline of the events. The suspect, identified as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old man from the nearby city of Burton, allegedly began the assault by ramming his pickup truck into the front entrance of the church building.
After breaching the building, he reportedly began shooting, killing two people. Authorities also believe Sanford deliberately set a fire inside the church. Firefighters later discovered two additional bodies within the burned structure, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
Police engaged the suspect at the scene and he was shot. The motive for the attack is still under active investigation by local and state authorities. The identities of the victims have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin.
The community now faces a period of mourning and recovery. The school closures are the first of what will likely be many community-led efforts to support those affected by this tragic event.