Latest news with #RoyJ.SmithMiddleSchool
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Killeen ISD names new Roy J. Smith MS principal
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) – The woman who has served as interim principal of Roy J. Smith Middle School since April will assume the role permanently. The Killeen Independent School District says before Dr. Bobbie Reeders stepped in as interim principal, she served as principal of Pathways Academic Campus since 2004. She has 31 years of education experience, which also includes serving on Killeen ISD's College Career and Military Readiness (CCMR) team and as the director for the district's Credit Recovery Program. PREVIOUS STORY: Interim principal of Roy J. Smith Middle School named Dr. Reeders earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Master's Degree from Tarleton State University, and a doctorate from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Dr. Reeders time as interim principal came after former principal Fredrick Lilly II submitted his resignation during the fallout of the fatal stabbing of Serenity Baker. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Questions that have been answered from Killeen ISD
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44) — Killeen Independent School District (ISD) officials held a press conference on Wednesday to provide further details about the fatal stabbing that occurred at Roy J. Smith Middle School last month. The incident, which occurred on March 10th, has been the subject of several press conferences, with the district continuing to provide updates on the ongoing investigation. Since the event, Killeen ISD has fielded numerous questions from the media. Last month, the district requested that all questions be submitted via email, and twelve questions were posed. Of those, eleven have since then been answered by Killeen ISD officials, shedding light on some of the key aspects of the tragic incident, with more updates given at Wednesday's press conference. PREVIOUS STORY: Killeen ISD Issues Updates Following Roy J. Smith Middle School Stabbing 1. What was the relationship between the two students involved? The district confirmed that they are unable to address this question due to this being an open investigation. 2. What is the behavioral history of the two students? According to Superintendent Dr. Fey, neither student involved in the incident has a history of violent behavior. 3. Was the stabbing a result of an ongoing bullying situation? Dr. Fey stated that no bullying reports had been submitted to the district's official bullying reporting system. However, the district is still investigating whether any verbal or written complaints had been made to the campus administration by students or parents prior to the incident. 4. Are the suspect's parents subject to legal action, since the student is a minor? Killeen ISD Police Chief Hydorn explained that county prosecutors will determine whether the suspect will be tried as an adult. At this stage, (as of mid-March) it remains too early to say whether the juvenile's parents will face legal action. 5. What was the weapon used in the stabbing? The weapon involved in the altercation was a 3 1/2-inch tactical folding knife. 6. Were metal detectors working at the school during the incident? On the day of the incident, the Evolve Detection System was not operational. However, Superintendent Dr. John Fey assured that the system has been fully operational and used every day since students returned to campus on March 25th. 7. Will there be increased staff or officers to monitor student safety? A team has been put in place by the district to monitor hallways and common areas, ensuring increased safety for students. 8. Will the district change its cellphone policy to improve communication between parents and students? Dr. Fey confirmed that there will be no changes to the district's existing cellphone policy. 9. Will counseling services be enhanced to support student mental health? The district has emphasized that students and staff have access to counseling services as needed and have been using them upon return to campus. Dr. Fey says they will continue to offer support for their mental health. 10. Were there any previous investigations involving the suspect and the victim? Dr. Fey confirmed that there were no prior investigations involving the two students and that neither had been suspended for violent behavior before the incident. 11. Where did the incident occur within the school? The Killeen ISD Police Chief confirmed that the stabbing occurred during a passing period in a common area of the school. 12. Is there video surveillance of the incident? Video footage of the students involved in the altercation has been confirmed by the Killeen ISD Police Chief. The district is continuing to work with law enforcement as the investigation progresses. Parents, students, and staff have expressed concerns over safety measures, and Killeen ISD has stated that it is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of all students on campus. This is a developing story, we'll provide updates as we receive them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
14-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Stabbed At School By Another Girl, Police Say
A 14-year-old girl died Monday after being stabbed at her middle school in Killeen, Texas. According to the Killeen Police Department, the stabbing took place at Roy J. Smith Middle School around 11:30 a.m. The police found in a preliminary investigation that two 14-year-old female classmates got into a dispute, ultimately leading to one stabbing the other. Police said the girl who was stabbed was then taken to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center but died of her wounds. She was pronounced dead at 12:21 p.m. The other girl was taken into custody, according to the police. 'We recognize the emotional impact of this incident on the victim's family, students, staff, and the entire Killeen community,' Killeen police said in a statement on Monday. 'Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we extend our support to those in need.' The police declined to release the names of the girls because of their ages, but the family of the victim named her as Serenity Baker in a GoFundMe seeking financial support ahead of her memorial. They described her as 'a bright, loving, and compassionate young soul with a promising future ahead of her.' 'Our hearts are shattered as we mourn the tragic and senseless loss of Serenity Baker, who was taken from us far too soon,' Serenity's family wrote, adding that her killing was a 'devastating act of violence that no family should ever have to endure.' 'She brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives,' they continued. 'The pain of her passing is unbearable, and our family is now faced with the overwhelming emotional and financial burden of laying her to rest.' After the stabbing, the school was placed on lockdown. Shortly after, students were transported to a nearby church where parents and guardians picked them up, according to a statement from the Killeen Independent School District. The school is suspending classes until March 24, the end of spring break, the district said. The school will have counseling and support services for the students and 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,' said Superintendent Jo Ann Fey, Ed.D. 14-Year-Old Boy Charged In Fatal Shooting Of New Jersey Police Officer Indiana Man Pardoned By Trump Is Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop Trump Begins Firings Of FAA Staff Just Weeks After Fatal DC Plane Crash
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Fundraiser to assist family of Killeen stabbing victim
BELL COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) – Central Texans have a way to help the family of the Killeen student who lost her life during their time of need. Serenity Baker was fatally stabbed at Roy J. Smith Middle School in Killeen on Monday. Her loved ones say she 'brought joy to everyone around her, and her kindness touched so many lives.' A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family. Donations will go directly toward Serenity's funeral and memorial expenses. Any additional funds will assist the family. Over $8,000 was raised in five hours. Serenity's funeral will be taking place on Saturday, March 22nd, according to the fundraiser. The Killeen Independent School District says additional details regarding school operations will be communicated directly to Roy J. Smith Middle School families. Counseling and support services are available for students and staff. The district says its hearts go out to the family, friends, and school community during this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
