The former principal of Thurston Woods School, Dennis Daniels, recently pleaded guilty to misconduct after failing to act when a student brought a gun to the school.
On January 30, 2025, Daniels, 53, was sentenced to four days at the Community Reintegration Center, having served his time by the day of sentencing. This decision came after he faced felony charges, which were amended to a misdemeanor for his failure to report the deadly incident.
The incident occurred back in February 2024 and involved an 11-year-old student who allegedly pointed the firearm at another classmate's head, pulling the trigger without it discharging. The gravity of the situation escalated when the gun was later discovered by staff members hidden under a staircase.
According to the criminal complaint, the teacher who found the gun brought it directly to Daniels. State law mandates public officials, including school principals, to report any incidents posing serious threats to student safety. "The law requires immediate action to protect the students," the complaint notes, stressing Daniels’ neglect of duty.
Despite the clear requirement to alert law enforcement, Daniels did not contact police or take disciplinary action until the following day when he personally brought the firearm to the Milwaukee Police Department District 4 station. He erroneously claimed to officers he had found the weapon during what he termed as a "perimeter check"—a misrepresentation for which he initially faced obstruction charges, though those charges were later dismissed.
The reaction from the educational community has been mixed. While some viewed his actions as gross negligence, others rallied behind him, arguing for leniency during sentencing. A number of colleagues and community members submitted letters praising Daniels, describing him as "an upright and trustworthy person" and emphasizing his commitment to student welfare.
Lisa Marion-Howard, a retired principal of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), described Daniels as "a God-fearing man who is a beacon of hope for many," urging the court to show compassion. Another supporter, Redona Williams, called him "firm but fair" with students and highlighted his longstanding dedication to at-risk youth.
Ayanna Lee, who has known Daniels for most of her life, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing his high integrity and family-oriented values. "He has consistently presented himself with levelheadedness and poise," Lee asserted.
Despite the community's support, the legal ramifications of Daniels’ actions reflect broader issues concerning school safety and accountability. His case raises important questions about the responsibilities of school officials to maintain student safety and adhere to reporting laws. The necessity for transparency and swift action when it involves potential threats has never been more apparent.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Danielle L. Shelton took the details of the charges against Daniels seriously, remarking on the potential danger posed not just to the affected students but to the entire school body. The failure to report such incidents undermines the safety protocols schools are mandated to follow.
Education safety advocates stress the importance of accountability among school officials, asserting such lapses can lead to severe consequences. "If we do not hold schools accountable, we endanger our most vulnerable populations—our children," stated one local advocate. The case against Daniels sets a precedent for how similar incidents should be handled going forward, reminding educators of their duties and the urgency of protecting their students.
Moving forward, the Milwaukee Public School district may conduct reviews of reporting procedures to prevent any future incidents of negligence. The school aims to strengthen its policies and provide clear guidelines for staff, ensuring compliance with state law and maintaining student safety as the highest priority.
This incident, though damaging, has sparked discussion on how schools can improve, creating safer environments to prevent future occurrences. The dialogue continues about how to best protect students, highlighting the need for vigilance, transparency, and swift action to safeguard their futures.
Daniels has yet to comment publicly following the sentencing, and it remains to be seen how this case will influence his career and the policies laid down for safety within the Milwaukee Public School system.