January 23, 2008 > Barnard-White Middle School shooting update Barnard-White Middle School shooting update Submitted By Rick LaPlante The Board of Education received an update on Tuesday, Jan. 15, of the District's response to and the Union City Police Department's investigation into the fatal shooting of a James Logan High School student outside Barnard-White Middle School on the last day of school before winter recess. The meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of Vernon Eddins Jr., a 14-year-old freshman who was killed Friday, Dec. 21, when he was shot after a confrontation between African-American students and Hispanic males outside Barnard-White about a half-hour after classes had been dismissed. City Manager Larry Cheeves, Police Chief Greg Stewart and Superintendent Dr. Pat Jaurequi briefed the Board on community concerns, the ongoing police investigation and routine safety procedures, additional measures that the District has taken regarding campus safety and other suggestions that have been made in the wake of the tragedy. The District is continuing to seek input from students, parents, employees and other members of the community, as all School Site Council meetings in January are including a discussion of student safety and school-site security. Board President Kevin Harper requested that District staff prepare recommendations for action after the conclusion of the SSC discussions and following the Youth Anti-Violence Coalition's report to the City Council on Jan. 29. Dr. Jaurequi said she would prepare a report for the Board's next meeting, Feb. 5, and that recommendations would be ongoing.