Classes continue after student killed outside of PCTA

By: Amanda Pitts

alpitts@abc6.com

@AmandaPittsTV

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Classes continued at Central High School a day after William Parsons, a 15-year-old student, was killed outside the Providence Career and Technical Academy.

The area that is home to the two schools and Classical High School was flooded with students once classes ended at 3 p.m., many stopping to add items to the growing memorial.

"It really impacted our school community in a serious way," said Chris Maher, Superintendent of Schools.

The Providence School District said it was a difficult decision to make, but they felt students needed to be together to get counseling and grieve the loss of their friend.

"He was known as a very respectful, studious student who took his job seriously and served as a mentor to younger students," said Maher.

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza assured parents and students that the area is safe, adding that more police officers have been assigned to the schools for the coming days.

"We want to reassure people through this police presence that they are safe at school, while at the same time providing them with space and the support that they need," said Mayor Elorza.

Police say they believe there was never a gun in the school, but parents are still feeling weary. Some wondered why classes continued Thursday.

"With this killing happening right outside of the school, was there only, if there was a lockdown, a brief lockdown, why was school scheduled for today?"

Howard Washington, a parent to a 16-year-old student, said he didn’t understand why this incident was different than other reasons the district cancels school.

"I want to know why when it’s hot outside we let the schools out early. Why, when it’s cold outside, we close the schools. But when there’s a killing of a student they don’t close the school."

The school district said it was a difficult decision to make, but they believe the students needed to grieve together and get the counseling they needed to cope with the loss of a friend.

A balloon release is planned for Friday at the memorial outside of PTCA.

(c) WLNE-TV 2018