Maryland school safety summit focuses on preparation, prevention

ANNAPOLIS - Leaders from each of Maryland's 24 school districts gathered Thursday to discuss plans to combat school violence.

The summit, which was held in Annapolis, focused on state-of-the art preparation and prevention ideas and protocols. School administrators and also discussed safety with local law enforcement, fire departments, EMTs, and emergency management officials.

At the meeting, was Blaine Gaskill, the school resource officer who rushed into action and stopped a gunman who opened fire at a St. Mary's County high school earlier this year.

Gaskill confronted 17-year-old Austin Rollins in the hallway of Great Mills High School after he shot 16-year-old Jaelynn Willey in the head on the morning of March 20. The bullet that struck Jaelynn also hit 14-year-old Desmond Barnes in the leg, officials said. Jaelynn later died from her injuries. Desmond was released from the hospital the following day. Gaskill's quick action was praised by officials as they said it may have prevented more loss of life or injuries.

The Annapolis summit comes one day after an 8-year-old was arrested after bringing a loaded gun to Park Hall Elementary School, also in St. Mary's County.