EVERETT — One parent held a sign that read “Protect our kids” as about 20 parents and students stood in a circle Friday in the parking lot of the Snohomish School District Resource and Service Center to protest the district’s handling of an alleged weapon incident involving a Machias Elementary student.

The gathering was part of a broader, ongoing response by families that have kept students home from Machias Elementary in recent weeks over safety concerns.

During a public comment session at the school board meeting Wednesday night, five parents voiced concern over the district’s handling of the situation.

The anger and fear stems from an incident on March 26, when multiple parents said a student allegedly showed a police-issued, inert training gun to two other students at a bus stop.

Parents also claimed that the student had a so-called “hit list” containing the names of students and staff. This has not been confirmed by law enforcement, district or school officials.

Parents at the walkout requested anonymity out of concern for the safety and privacy of their children.

“Does a shooting have to happen before they take it seriously?” one parent asked Friday.

Parents said they learned of the incident from their children, not the district, and believe the school system has downplayed the situation and failed to communicate key details.

Many said they’ve lost trust in the district’s ability to ensure their children’s safety. 

District and school officials declined to comment for this story.

Emails sent to families on March 26, March 28 and April 11 acknowledged an “off-campus incident involving an alleged firearm.” In those messages, Machias Elementary Principal Sam Hanson said the school was taking the matter seriously and working with law enforcement to investigate, though privacy laws limit what information can be shared.

The district outlined general safety procedures that may be implemented in such cases, including increased supervision, backpack restrictions, daily bag checks and drop-off and pick-up by a parent or guardian.

After the March 26 incident, the student was suspended from school while the district and law enforcement investigated, parents said.

Parents said they have been told the student may return to school soon.

Approximately 117 students were absent the day after the incident, many citing “safety concerns,” parents said. Some said they would support the student’s return only under a strict reintegration plan — and if the school keeps parents informed.

They’ve also called for a school resource officer to be assigned to Machias.

According to families, district officials have said the student’s return is allowed under state law because the training weapon did not meet the legal definition of a firearm and the incident occurred off campus.

The district has not confirmed if or when the student will return.

Aspen Anderson: 425-339-3192; aspen.anderson@heraldnet.com; X: @aspenwanderson.