GRESHAM, Ore. — Gresham High School's principal announced she's resigning next month. In a letter to families, students and staff on Wednesday, the principal referenced division within the school community following an incident in September where police arrested a 17-year-old student for bringing a gun to campus.
The school faced criticism from teachers and students over the handling of the incident, with some saying school officials should have placed the campus on a hold or lockdown as they responded to the threat.
In a statement, the Gresham-Barlow School District said it respects and understands principal Erika Beddoe Whitlock's decision to resign. The district also emphasized that safety remains a top priority and the district plans to continue following the "rigorous safety protocols" established to maintain a safe school environment.
“Over the past three years, Principal Whitlock has worked with care and professionalism to make strides in supporting students during her tenure,” said Superintendent James Hiu. “We will work closely with her during the transition period to ensure that the school — and its students, families, and staff — can heal and thrive.”
In her resignation letter to the district, Whitlock highlighted the goals and achievements during her three years in the role, while also addressing tension following the September incident.
"The situation has brought significant tension and emotional strain, both for me and for my family," she wrote. "I have worked diligently to lead through these challenges. That said, the underlying tensions impacting our school cannot be resolved with me as its principal."
She went on to say, "I stand by district leaders as they continue the vital work of maintaining a safe and supportive school environment."
On Sept. 20, someone reported to Gresham High School staff that they had been threatened with a gun. The victim believed that the suspect was a student at the school and had taken the weapon into the building. Staff identified the student, contacted police and "moved the student to a secure area," Gresham police said at the time.
The student admitted to having a weapon, Gresham police said, and officers found a nine-millimeter gun and a full magazine in the student's backpack. The student was taken into custody and the case was referred to juvenile court. The identity of the student has not been released due to their age.
The teacher's union, the Gresham-Barlow Education Association (GBEA), told KGW in September that a teacher made a report to building administration expressing concern about the student's behavior more than three days before the incident on Friday and received no response. Leaders with the union also said they were concerned whether district protocols do enough to mitigate potential threats.
Students and teachers approached the school board last spring and delivered a vote of no confidence in Gresham's principal and district officials. The move came after months of what they described as drug use and frequent, violent fights among students armed with weapons.
The Gresham-Barlow School District said Whitlock's last day with the district will be Nov. 8.