Classes canceled at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy Friday following school shooting

Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy (PTAA) announced the closure of school on Friday, days after a student brought a gun to campus. The decision came late Thursday following discussions between parents and school administrators.

In a social media post, Executive Director Dr. Derrick Love stated that the closure was deemed necessary to allow the community, including parents, students, and staff, time and space to process their emotions following the recent events.

During a parent meeting held on campus, attended by numerous individuals, concerns were raised about the incident. Some parents expressed dissatisfaction with how the lockdown alert was handled, alleging that teachers did not take it seriously and that there was no announcement made through the school’s speaker system.

Dr. Love addressed these concerns during the meeting, assuring parents that the issues are being investigated and taken seriously. He mentioned that the school has already taken steps to enhance security measures, including the installation of metal detectors, additional surveillance cameras, and improved security training for staff.

The incident, which involved Mesquite police responding to reports of an armed student, resulted in three officers firing 19 shots before the student surrendered. The student, a 16-year-old, is currently in juvenile detention, and no injuries were reported among the students or staff.

Following the meeting, a parent expressed the emotional toll of the situation and their commitment to supporting their child and others affected by the incident.

Mesquite police did not attend the meeting due to an ongoing active investigation. However, they plan to release body camera footage, CCTV recordings, and 911 calls related to the incident in the coming days.