Dear Roy J. Smith Middle School Families,
- Killeen ISD
- Crisis Response: Smith MS 03/10/2025 Incident
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Last Modified: 03/17/2025
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Crisis Response: Smith MS 03/10/2025 Incident
On March 10, 2025, a tragic incident at Roy J. Smith Middle School deeply affected our entire Killeen ISD family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, students, staff, and community members impacted.
This event has raised concerns, and we want to reassure our KISD families that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. In response, we have taken immediate steps to support our school community, including providing counseling services, reviewing safety measures, and maintaining clear communication with families.
We are committed to being as forthcoming as possible; however, because this remains an active criminal investigation, there are legal constraints on the information we can share. Additionally, we must respect student privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). We appreciate your understanding as we balance transparency with these important legal responsibilities.
Who we are and what we stand for as Killeen ISD will be shaped by this moment. Our new normal will be different, but together, the KISD family will move forward—and we will emerge stronger.
This page serves as a central resource for updates, support services, and frequently asked questions. We encourage our community to stay informed and connected as we navigate this journey together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Was this incident related to bullying?
That’s part of the investigation that’s now underway, and we cannot comment on the details of an active investigation. While we want to be as transparent as possible, it also is critical that we protect the integrity of the investigation.
We can tell you that we have found no records of either of the students involved in this tragedy having used our bullying reporting tool. We do not yet know if the students, parents or anyone else reported anything about bullying verbally to an administrator or teacher. We are investigating that.
And while we cannot talk about other details related to this incident, we want to emphasize that we want to know if anyone believes they are being bullied or witnesses inappropriate behavior that may be bullying. We urge everyone in our KISD community to be aware of www.KISDisSafe.com, our bullying and threat reporting tool. Reports, which can be submitted anonymously, will be seen immediately by our KISD Police Department.
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Did the students involved have a prior history of conflict?
Killeen ISD is legally not allowed to release that information because it is protected by FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, granting parents (and students over 18) access to these records and controlling their disclosure to third parties without consent.
While we must always follow this FERPA guidance, given the intense and understandable public interest in this incident and the speculation around bullying being a possible cause, we have completed a detailed review of attendance and disciplinary records and can now share the following details:
The accused and victim attended the same school, Roy J. Smith Middle School, for only one month. Based on attendance records, they were on campus at the same for four days. There were no formal reports of bullying during that time.
On Monday, March 3, 2025, after school hours, the accused's father reported to the principal that unidentified students were in the accused’s neighborhood threatening the accused, including a weapon being flashed. The father was advised to report this situation to the Killeen Police Department.
The accused was not at school from March 5-7, 2025. The victim had been absent since February 24, 2025, and returned on March 7, 2025, but again, the accused was absent on March 7.
Monday, March 10, 2025, was the first day both students were at school at the same time since February 20, 2025. Both arrived late – the victim at 8:18 a.m. and the accused at 8:28 a.m.
Teachers intervened in a verbal altercation between the students that day, before the fatal incident. We have since learned that the girls intended to continue the dispute after school.
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Were either of the students involved in this incident on a transfer to attend Roy J. Smith Middle School?
No, both were zoned to attend Roy J. Smith Middle School based on their home addresses, although the accused did not attend Smith Middle School prior to February 10, 2025.
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What is bullying and how do I report it?
Bullying, as defined by Texas Education Code §37.0832, is a single significant act or a pattern of acts that exploit an imbalance of power and involve verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct. It is considered bullying if it:
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Physically harms a student or their property or creates fear of harm.
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Creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment.
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Substantially disrupts school operations or infringes on a student’s rights.
Cyberbullying includes bullying through electronic devices such as phones, computers, email, messaging apps, social media, and websites.
Bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to:
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Hazing, threats, taunting, or teasing
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Physical harm, confinement, or assault
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Demands for money or destruction of property
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Name-calling, rumor-spreading, or social exclusion
The district promotes a positive school culture and integrates age-appropriate bullying prevention into instruction.
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Elementary students learn to recognize and report bullying, encourage peer intervention, and understand bullying behaviors as changeable.
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Secondary students receive education on how social pressures contribute to bullying and how reporting helps maintain a safe school environment.
If a student experiences or witnesses bullying, they should report it immediately to a teacher, counselor, administrator, or any district employee. Reports can also be made anonymously at www.KISDisSafe.com.
All reports will be investigated, and parents of both the victim and the alleged offender will be notified. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken, which may include counseling, intervention programs, or in some cases, law enforcement involvement.
Other protection and consequences include:
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Retaliation against students who report bullying is strictly prohibited.
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The district may transfer a student found to have engaged in bullying to another classroom or campus.
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Victims of bullying may request a transfer to another school within KISD.
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I’m hearing that the weapon used was a pencil. Others say it was a knife. What is true?
The weapon was a tactical folding knife with a 3.5” blade.
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When and where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at approximately 11:25 a.m. in a common space during a passing period.
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Were there working metal detectors at Roy J. Smith Middle School? Were they in use?
Roy J. Smith Middle School had an Evolv Weapons Detection System onsite, but it was not functioning. Obviously, this is of great concern to us, we are investigating why the system was not functioning and we will report back to our school community when we have information about that we can share.
However, considering what we know about the knife, we do not have confidence that the Evolv Weapons Detection System would have detected it because the system is designed to detect metals by weight and density.
This incident also is an important reminder that detection systems are only part of a much larger system of safety procedures. We are investigating every facet of our approach to safety in the wake of this tragedy.
An Evolv Weapons Detection System is an advanced security screening technology designed to detect weapons and threats in high-traffic areas like schools, stadiums, and public venues. Unlike traditional metal detectors, Evolv systems use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor fusion to quickly scan people as they walk through without requiring them to stop, remove bags, or empty pockets.
Evolv Weapons Detection Systems are at various secondary campuses in Killeen ISD. Exact locations are kept confidential for added security.
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Which schools have an Evolv Weapon Detection System? Which schools have conventional metal detectors?
For safety reasons, we will not reveal additional details about our systems and what is at each school. Providing more details would only make our schools less safe.
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Is there any video surveillance of the students involved leading up to the altercation?
All school surveillance video is now in the possession of the Killeen Police Department as part of the active investigation.
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Did the student receive medical attention while waiting for EMS to arrive?
Yes, four staff members, including the school nurse, responded within seconds and provided basic medical aid to the student until asked to step away when emergency services arrived on the scene. A stop-the-bleed kit was retrieved and used, however due to the severity of the injuries, the kit had limited effectiveness.
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What charges is the suspect facing?
A juvenile referral has been submitted to Bell County Juvenile Probation. The individual is in custody at Bell County. Charges will be determined by county prosecutors.
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How is the district addressing student safety in light of this incident.
We are currently reviewing all safety and security measures in the wake of this tragedy. The district has also brough in an outside, independent investigation team to oversee the administrative investigation.
KISD families should watch for communication from the district before our return from Spring Break on March 24. We will communicate directly with our families about any changes or new safety expectations.
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Will the district’s cell phone policy be impacted by this incident?
We are reviewing all policies around safety in the wake of this tragedy.
That said, KISD’s cell phone policy, which also is common in schools across the nation, is based on sound research and best practices for school emergencies. In the critical first moments of a crisis, it’s imperative that students are focused on following directions from staff. Cell phones could also cause a distraction during a lockdown when lights are off and silence is required. Once students are safe and secure, school staff will be able to unlock cell phone pouches for student use.
During this incident, many students had their phones unlocked on the bus ride to the reunification site. Only four pouches were unlocked as students exited the reunification site with their parent/guardian.
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Could the money spent on cell phone pouches have been better spent on metal detectors or weapons detectors?
The funds used to purchase Yondr pouches in Killeen ISD came from federal funding with specific restrictions on how they can be used. These funds were not eligible for purchasing metal detectors or weapons detection systems.
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How does the district communicate with families during a crisis situation?
Killeen ISD is committed to keeping families informed during emergency situations. The district utilizes multiple communication channels to ensure timely and accurate information reaches parents/guardians.
KISD will communicate with families in situations that may impact student safety, including but not limited to:
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Emergency Situations: Campus lockdowns, holds, unplanned evacuations, or reunification procedures.
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Severe Weather or Hazmat Incidents: Shelter-in-place orders due to storms or hazardous material concerns.
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Security Concerns: Secure status due to nearby police activity, verified threats of violence, or reports of a weapon on campus or a school bus.
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Health & Safety Alerts: Utility outages (gas, electricity, water, phones, internet), insect concerns (bed bugs, lice), or hazardous substances on campus.
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Student & Staff Emergencies: A death on campus or other significant incidents affecting students or staff.
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Traffic or Access Issues: Situations impacting drop-off or pick-up, such as road closures or blocked entrances/exits.
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School Closures or Delays: Due to severe weather events like tornadoes or storms.
KISD uses multiple methods to communicate critical information quickly:
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Phone calls, emails, and text messages to parents/guardians.
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Push notifications through the Killeen ISD Mobile App (available for download on iOS and Android).
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Updates on the Killeen ISD website and individual campus webpages.
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Official Killeen ISD social media accounts (Facebook, X, Instagram).
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Coordination with local news media to ensure widespread distribution of urgent updates.
In a crisis, KISD prioritizes accurate and transparent communication. While we aim to provide timely updates, some details may be limited due to the nature of an active investigation or legal privacy requirements (such as FERPA). We appreciate our families' trust and patience as we work to ensure student safety and keep our community informed.
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When will Roy J. Smith Middle School reopen?
The school is closed until after spring break. Teachers and staff will return on Monday, March 24, 2025, and students will return to class on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
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We haven’t seen the principal since the incident. Where is he?
The principal and another administrative staff member are on administrative leave pending the investigation. Along with the criminal investigation, KISD is conducting an exhaustive, independent internal investigation into all safety procedures and other steps that were taken during and immediately after this incident. To conduct the most thorough, fair internal investigation possible, we determined it was best for these two staff members to be placed on leave. It is important to note that administrative leave is not an indication of wrongdoing. Beyond this, we do not plan to comment. We closely guard the privacy of our staff and comply with Texas law regarding the confidentiality of employment matters.
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What support resources are available to students and staff?
As we have told students, families and staff, our counselor team is available right now and we’ve partnered with local organizations offering additional support for families. These resources are compiled at www.killeenisd.org/wellness-resources.
Roy J. Smith Middle School families were sent an email with 24/7 counseling resources that have been made available for Roy J. Smith students, family, and staff only. On-campus counseling support also will be available when students return on Tuesday, March 25.
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Where can I find updates and additional information?
Updates will be communicated through official KISD channels, including the district website and direct communications to families. We welcome additional questions and will be regularly updating this FAQ.
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How can I make sure I receive important district messages?
During this incident, many parents reported that they did not receive district communication. This is likely because the parent/guardian had previously blocked district communication. In the future, KISD will override these blocks during an emergency. However, if families are concerned that they are not receiving messages, they can opt back into messaging by:
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Phone calls: Call the Mass Notification Phone Hotline (855) 502-7867.
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Emails: You will need to reach out to your campus to ask them to opt you back into receiving emails.
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Text/SMS Messages: Reply START to “60680” from the phone line that has been opted out for non-emergency messages. Reply START to “54968” for emergency messages.
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How was the reunification process handled and what measures were taken for it to succeed?
We implemented our Standard Response Protocol (SRP) to ensure an organized and efficient reunification process. The reunification process took under four hours, successfully reuniting 1,100 students with their families at Manna Church. The district communicated with parents within 15 minutes of the initial call through phone call, SMS text, email, and social media. This in line with best practices from the Standard Response Protocol for K12 schools and districts.
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What new or changed disciplinary actions will be taken for students involved in on-campus disturbances?
Effective immediately:
Any student involved in fighting or assaults on campus will face disciplinary placement ranging from 45 days to 180 days, following Texas Education Code and Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) Guidelines.
Any student who assaults a staff member will be placed in the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP) for a minimum of one school year.
If an off-campus incident leads to or is linked to a disruption at school, the student involved will face disciplinary placement ranging from 45 days to 180 days, in accordance with state guidelines.
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How can families help maintain a safe school environment?
We ask parents and community members to remain vigilant about what students bring to school. Parents should check their child’s backpack and belongings each day before they leave home.
Email Communications
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March 17, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - KISD Crisis Response Website Updated
March 17, 2025, 3:30 p.m. - KISD Crisis Response Website Updated
Our Crisis Response website, www.killeenisd.org/crisis-response has been updated with new information.
Thank you for staying informed.
Killeen ISD
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March 14, 2025, 1:45 p.m. - Message from KISD Superintendent Dr. Fey
Dear KISD Family,
As a community, this past week has been challenging for us all, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the strength, resilience, and compassion that define our beloved KISD community.
You may have questions regarding this tragedy, and I want to share as much as possible with you. We’ve created a website to keep the KISD family and community updated with the latest facts we can share: www.killeenisd.org/crisis-response.
This loss weighs heavily on our hearts, and I know many of you—especially our students and myself included—are still processing what has happened. Please know that you are not alone. We are here to support you in every way possible.
As we head into Spring Break, I encourage you to take time to rest, reconnect, and support one another. We understand that everyone processes and heals in their own way, and we are committed to ensuring that support and resources are available.
Community Wellness Resources – Our community has come together to offer additional support for students, staff, and families. A list of available resources can be found at www.killeenisd.org/wellness-resources.
Important Updates & Next Steps
In addition to supporting our students and staff through this time, we remain committed to ensuring a safe and positive learning environment for everyone.
Over the next week, you can expect to receive important updates regarding:
- Discipline Procedure Adjustments – We have been reviewing and reflecting on our policies, procedures, and training protocols and have taken swift action to reinforce the safest and most secure learning environment possible.
- Safety Policy Updates – We continue to evaluate our safety protocols and will communicate changes designed to enhance campus security.
- Communication Expectations & Opt-In – We want to ensure all families receive timely and important information. Please review the instructions below to update your communication preferences and ensure you’re receiving notifications.
- Phone Calls – Call the Mass Notification Phone Hotline at “855-502-7867” from the phone line that has been opted out.
- Text/SMS Messages - Text START to “60680” from the phone line that has been opted out for non-emergency messages. Text START to “54968” for emergency messages.
- Emails - You will need to reach out to your campus during school hours and ask to opt you back into receiving emails.
Our focus remains on supporting one another and fostering a strong, resilient community. We will move forward together, with a continued commitment to the safety, well-being, and success of our students and staff.
With care and support,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent -
March 14, 2025, 10:34 a.m. - Personal Item Retrieval Today, Friday, March 14, 2025, at at Roy J. Smith Middle School
Dear Roy J. Smith Middle School Families & Staff,
As we continue to support one another through this difficult time, we want to remind you that personal item retrieval is taking place today from 3-6 p.m. Families who need to collect personal belongings left at school may do so during that time. Students must wear IDs to enter the building. Parents, we ask that you bring your identification as well to facilitate the process.
Change to Return to School Date
We have decided to change when classes will resume for Smith Middle School students. Students will return on Tuesday, March 25. This will allow the Leopard staff the Monday after Spring Break additional time to prepare for welcoming students back.
Students and staff from all other KISD schools will return from Spring Break on Monday, March 24.
Over the break, we encourage families to rest, reflect, and support one another. For additional assistance, please visit www.killeenisd.org/wellness-resources to access community resources.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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March 12, 2025, 6:16 p.m. - We’re Here for You—Please Don’t Go Through This Alone
March 12, 2025, 6:16 p.m. - We’re Here for You—Please Don’t Go Through This Alone
Dear Leopard Families,
There are no easy words for what we’re going through right now. Monday’s tragedy has shaken our school community, and we know many of you—especially our students—are struggling to make sense of it all. Please know this: you are not alone. We’re here to support you in every way we can.
If you or your child need someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve put together several resources to help.
- Counseling Support – Our school counselors are available to you and your students at the Jackson Professional Learning Center (902 Rev R. A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. through Friday. Whether you just need to talk or need help processing your emotions, they are here for you.
- Community Resources – We’ve partnered with local organizations offering additional support for families. You can find a full list of those resources at www.killeenisd.org/wellness-resources
Here are additional things you may be wondering about:
- School Access for Personal Item Retrieval – If your student left anything at school, the building will be open on Friday from 3 – 6 p.m. so they can retrieve personal belongings. Teachers, campus and district administrators and KISD PD officers will be on site to assist.
- End of Grading Period Update – To support students in addressing missed learning opportunities, we have adjusted the grading period deadline. No missed assessments from the week of March 10-14, 2025, will be administered. Instead, we are extending the grading period, ensuring no negative impact on UIL eligibility. Teachers will provide opportunities for students to complete previously requested retakes and finalize their gradebooks by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Our goal is to be empathetic to the situation and give students additional time to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum.
Grief looks different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel right now. But you don’t have to carry this alone. Lean on each other, reach out if you need help, and know that we are walking this path with you.
If there’s anything we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call (254) 336-1055. We are in this together, and together, we will find our way forward.
With care and support,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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March 12, 2025, 6:12 p.m. - Supporting Our School Community - What You Need to Know
March 12, 2025, 6:12 p.m. - Supporting Our School Community - What You Need to Know
RJSMS Staff,
There are no words to fully express the heartbreak our school community is feeling after Monday’s tragedy. Each of us is carrying this loss in different ways, and as you support your students and colleagues, we want to make sure you feel supported, too. Please know that you are not alone—we’re in this together.
Support for You
We recognize that this is a heavy time for everyone. If you need a moment to process, talk, or just be in a supportive space, please take advantage of these resources:
- Counseling Support for Staff – Counselors will be available at the Jackson Professional Learning Center (902 Rev R. A. Abercrombie Dr., Killeen) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. through Friday. Whether you need someone to talk to or just a quiet place to reflect, please don’t hesitate to stop by. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) also offers free counseling support. View information here: https://www.mutualofomaha.com/eap/
- Community Resources – We’ve partnered with local organizations that are offering additional support. A full list of available resources can be found at www.killeenisd.org/wellness-resources
What We’ve Planned to Share with Students & Families
We want to ensure our students and families have the support they need during this time. They will be provided with information on:
- School Counseling Services – Counselors are available to help students process their emotions and navigate their grief.
- Additional Community Support – Families have access to outside resources for emotional and mental health support.
- School Access for Personal Items – The school will be open on Friday from 3–6 p.m. for students who need to retrieve belongings. Teachers, campus and district administrators and KISD-PD officers will be on site to assist.
We will copy you on the message that goes out to families later tonight.
If you’re working with students who are struggling, please remind them of these resources—or if you need guidance on how to support them, don’t hesitate to reach out.
We know you are balancing so much right now - caring for students, supporting each other, and managing your own emotions. Please be gentle with yourself. Take breaks when you need them. Lean on your colleagues. And remember, you are never alone in this.
If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nancy Patterson at nancy.patterson@killeenisd.org. We will get through this together, one step at a time.
It was so good to see everyone today. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
With care and appreciation,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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March 10, 2025, 9:27 p.m. - Message to All KISD Families from Dr. Fey
March 10, 2025, 9:27 p.m. - Message to All KISD Families from Dr. Fey
Dear Killeen ISD Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. Earlier today at Roy J. Smith Middle School, an altercation took place resulting in a student being stabbed. I am deeply saddened to inform you that our student, the victim, has passed away.
When the incident occurred, school staff and KISD PD officers quickly responded and placed the campus on a lockdown to keep students and staff safe. The Killeen Police Department immediately partnered with the school district to begin the investigation and secure the campus. The suspect was found quickly, detained, and remains in police custody. Please understand that we are not able to share additional information at this time, as the police investigation continues.
We have made the decision to cancel classes at Smith for the remainder of the week. Regular classes will continue as normal tomorrow at all other schools. A police presence will be visible, and counseling support services will be in place for our students and staff districtwide.
The loss of a student is devastating and tonight we are all grieving together. I wish I had the right words to say this evening, but I do not. We appreciate your continued prayers and support for those impacted by this tragic incident.
Later this evening, I will be delivering a statement through Facebook live that you can view on our page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EdUGbE4wz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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March 10, 2025, 5:50 p.m. - Important Message from Superintendent
March 10, 2025, 5:50 p.m. - Important Message from Superintendent
Dear Roy J. Smith Middle School Families & Staff,
Our hearts are heavy as we navigate this difficult time together. We know this tragedy has deeply affected our school community, and we want to ensure that our students, staff, and families have the space and support needed to grieve and begin to recover.
To allow time for healing, students will not return to school until after spring break, with classes resuming on Monday, March 24. Regular classes will continue as normal at all other schools. During this time, we encourage families to connect, reflect, and seek support as needed.
Staff will report at 11 a.m. on Wednesday to the Jackson Professional Learning Center at 902 Rev. R A Abercrombie Dr. in Killeen.
We understand that some students and staff may need to retrieve personal items left at school. We will communicate when families can pick up these belongings as soon as we are able.
Counselors and support services will be available for students and staff when we return from spring break. If your child needs immediate support, counselors will be available from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for the rest of the week at the Jackson Professional Learning Center at 902 Rev. R A Abercrombie Dr. In Killeen.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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March 10, 2025, 12:27 p.m. - Student Reunification Plan for RJSMS
March 10, 2025, 12:27 p.m. - Student Reunification Plan for RJSMS
As part of our commitment to student safety, we are implementing our Reunification Plan following today’s incident.
All students will be transported to Manna Church (1826 Stagecoach Rd, Killeen, TX 76542) for parent/guardian pickup.
To ensure a safe and orderly process, please carefully review the following procedures:
- Bring a Photo ID: Students will only be released to parents/guardians or emergency contacts listed in school records.
- You will be asked to complete a Reunification Card for each student you are attempting to pick up.
- Be Patient: Students will be released one at a time to ensure accuracy and safety.
- Follow Instructions from Staff and Law Enforcement: We ask for your cooperation as we work through this process as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We understand that this may be a stressful time, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to reunite families safely.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Killeen ISD -
March 10, 2025, 11:44 p.m. - Safety Message from Principal
March 10, 2025, 11:44 p.m. - Safety Message from Principal
Smith Families,
We want to inform you of a situation that occurred on our campus this morning. A student was injured and is being transported to receive medical care. Our school has been placed in a LOCKDOWN status. Student will not be released during a LOCKDOWN.
At this time, there is no ongoing threat to students or staff, and law enforcement is actively investigating. We understand that this may be concerning, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority.
We will update you as soon as possible.
Fred Lilly
Principal
Last Modified Today at 3:39 PM
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