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Education is a big issue in northern Michigan, whether we're reporting on school funding issues to breakthroughs in the classroom.

Student accused of bringing handgun could face expulsion

The head of Kingsley Area Schools says students and staff are doing surprisingly well one day after an 11-year-old allegedly brought a loaded handgun to school.

Superintendent Keith Smith says he’s proud of the quick response from his staff Wednesday – when another student alerted a teacher. He says word of the situation traveled quickly from the teacher to the principal.

“The weapon was in-hand within probably 90 seconds,” says Smith.

Smith says the gun was loaded with a single bullet. But it turned out the bullet did not match the caliber of the gun.

“I don’t know whether or not the student did or didn’t believe it was going to work,” says Smith. “But I think it’s concerning any time a kid brings a gun to school.”

Smith says unless the boy can claim one of a few, very limited, exceptions, the law requires the school board to expel him permanently. 

Some possible exceptions include if child didn’t understand he had a weapon, or if he was told to carry it by a school officials or police.

Smith did not say if any exception applies in this case.

Action is likely when the school board meets Monday. If expelled, the child could ask to be reinstated after 150 days.

A criminal investigation is also underway.