86% of Bend families vote to return to school after October shooting

An overwhelming 86.2% of families in the Bend-La Pine school district indicated a preference to return to Silver Rail Elementary following the October 15 shooting. The district announced this figure in a statement released last week, confirming that the school will reopen its doors on November 6. Other schools in the district resumed classes the week after the tragedy, but Silver Rail remained closed pending repairs to the areas impacted by the violence.

Cassidy Schutz, a certified learning specialist at the school, spoke publicly for the first time on Friday. She described the rapid sequence of events that led to the gunman's death. Schutz said she threw her cellphone at the shooter and tackled him to the ground in an attempt to disarm him. Her actions occurred before Kaylub Giamanco, a parent at the school, fatally shot the gunman. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz stated that Schutz's quick action almost certainly prevented more bloodshed.

The shooting resulted in the deaths of three students and one teacher. Two other students and one teacher were injured in the attack. Schutz was uninjured, according to police records. Giamanco, who was carrying a legally secured .40-caliber pistol, said he followed the gunman into the school. He expressed gratitude to Schutz in an interview with Oregon Public Broadcasting, noting that he did not know her name at the time of the incident.

Schutz requested privacy as she processes the aftermath of the event. She described the experience as a horrific and heartbreaking tragedy that extends beyond a simple news story. My focus is on these families, our team, our school, and my own healing, she said. She added that the pain of the loss is one she will carry forever.

Steven Cook, the superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, expressed gratitude for both Giamanco and Schutz. He told them he believed their actions saved lives. The district has implemented new safety measures for the reopening. A police officer was present at each school during the initial reopening day. A team of eight school resource officers will continue to rotate between the schools to maintain security.

The community will gather for a meeting on November 5. School officials will take questions regarding the shooting, safety protocols, and the reopening plans. The district aims to support students and families who feel ready to return to the classroom after the closure.