Parent may have violated school policy with open-carry gun

A Howell-area resident openly carried a gun at Parker Middle School's orientation day Thursday, but the district didn't learn about it until Friday from a Facebook post.

Although what he did was legal under Michigan law, it's not clear whether he might have violated school district policy by not informing school officials.

At least one parent was furious over the situation.

"Why are you that fearful going into a school to bring your gun?" Lesley Schafer asked. "I wholeheartedly disagree with this particular law. I think it’s disgusting that people can open carry in an environment such as a school. It was irresponsible and puts mine and other children in danger.”

Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin MacGregor is collecting facts before contacting police, which complies with the district’s policy. However, if the man — identified on the Facebook post as Francis Winegarden — did not inform the school of his weapon or show proof of a permit prior to walking into the building, he would have violated district policy.

MacGregor said he's not aware of staff members notifying administration of Winegarden openly carrying his gun.

Calls and emails to Winegarden had not been returned by Friday.

In Michigan, those who have a concealed pistol license are able to openly carry on school grounds; however, there are policies set in place at school districts to ensure student safety.

A state legislator is pushing for a new law to prevent gun owners from openly carrying their weapons in schools and other gun-free zones.

"District policy prohibits visitors from possessing weapons except law enforcement," said MacGregor.

The Howell district requires individuals check in with the main office and notify administration they are open carrying a gun and to show their permit. The district would then notify police authorities to verify the permit is legitimate.

"State law does permit a person to open carry on school grounds with a permit. We proceed by contacting law enforcement to seek support and guidance," MacGregor said.

MacGregor said the school is safe at this point.

“Student safety is our first priority,” MacGregor said. “We have procedures in place to ensure student and staff safety if a weapon is brought on school grounds.”

After orientation, Winegarden posted a photo of himself with two kids around him on the Michigan Open Carry Inc. Facebook page.

His post, which has caused conversation on the sensitive topic, read: "Open carried at Parker Middle School in Howell, Mi for the kids orientation ... No problem at all! ... Nice thing was I had a chance to educate a few people in the process!"

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Orientation day allows parents and students to walk through the building, and find students' lockers and classrooms.

"The building is open to everyone on orientation day, so it's not like a typical school day where we have someone to buzz people into the building," said Tom Gould, Howell schools public relation director.

MacGregor said the district's orientation day is "well attended."

There were school staff members who passed out schedules and helped students and parents around the building.

While she understands it's legal, Schafer is baffled by why a parent would feel the need to take a handgun to school.

“As a gun owner, it is your responsibility to inform a school district you have a weapon on you, and right now we don’t know if he did,” Schafer said, who has a gun permit. “If this gentlemen did, in fact, inform the school, that is fine. I have to be OK with it because the law says he can open carry on school grounds. But why would you carry a gun on school grounds during orientation day?"

Schafer moved to the Howell area three years ago and “shopped around schools in the area” before deciding Howell Public Schools was the best fit her child’s needs.

“Part of the reason I went with this school district was because of its state-of-the-art facility, specifically Parker Middle School,” Schafer explained. “They have amazing security, procedures and policies in place that make me feel like my child is extremely safe.”

Once MacGregor gathers the appropriate information, he said he will contact authorities.

Contact Livingston Daily education reporter at awelsh@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @abby_welshLD.