The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education staff was saddened to learn of the tragic events involving an Ashland high school student early this morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the classmates of the student,” said Chris L. Nicastro, commissioner of education. “We appreciate the enormous responsibility our school personnel assume for the protection and care of our children.”

The Department will continue to offer support to the Southern Boone County School District as they resume classes Wednesday with grief counselors at the school.