PERRY, Iowa – After a deadly school shooting earlier this month that shocked the small community of Perry, officials from the Perry Community School District have announced a plan to resume classes. The decision comes in the wake of the tragic events that saw a high school student, Dylan Butler, take the lives of seventh-grader Ahmir Jolliff and their school principal, Dan Marburger, before taking his own life.
Perry Elementary students are set to return to class next Wednesday, with an open house scheduled for Tuesday that will offer counseling services for both students and families. The middle schoolers will follow suit with a similar open house on Wednesday, and high schoolers will return the following Wednesday on January 31st. All grades will have early dismissal until further notice.
Authorities have yet to provide any information regarding the motive behind the shooting or how Butler obtained the firearms used in the tragic incident. However, Butler’s parents released a statement expressing their shock and sorrow at the violent actions taken by their son, emphasizing that they had no prior knowledge of his intentions.
The community of Perry has been deeply affected by the events of the school shooting, with many still struggling to come to terms with the senseless loss of life. As the schools prepare to reopen, the focus will be on providing support and comfort to the students and staff, as they navigate the emotional challenges of returning to the classroom.
The tragedy has prompted discussions about school safety measures and the need for mental health support within educational institutions. It has also sparked conversations about the importance of addressing the underlying issues that can lead to such devastating acts of violence. As the Perry community looks towards the future, the priority remains on healing and coming together to support one another during this difficult time.