Teacher resigns after child finds her loaded gun at midstate school

(Chambersburg) — A Cumberland Valley Christian School teacher has resigned after a child found her loaded gun on school property, school president Rev. Mike Sanders said Monday.

As of Monday afternoon, no criminal charges were filed, although Sanders said he anticipates charges being filed in the coming days. He would not name the teacher being prosecuted in the matter.

Sanders said the woman offered her resignation immediately following the incident, and the school in Chambersburg accepted it the next day after evaluating the situation.

Prior to the incident, the school did not have any policies regarding guns on school grounds, Sanders said.

“We had never been in the situation before,” he said. The school does have a security team, but the school had not formulated a policy until after the incident.

“Our policy now is this – we are asking no weapons, no guns, unless they are approved by administration,” Sanders said. This applies to teachers and other staff, and others visiting the campus.

“I want to personally thank the sheriff’s office, the district attorney’s office, for their support and guidance,” Sanders said, adding that he consulted with both following the incident.

“I thank all who pray for our school daily, for parents, who taught their children what to do when they see a loaded gun,” Sanders said. He said the incident is a teachable moment in which parents should ensure children know to report weapons if they see one.

“This could have been tragic,” Sanders said. “I’m thankful to God for him watching over us.”

This article is part of a partnership between WITF and the Chambersburg Public Opinion.