A Greenville Middle School student was suspended on Monday for bringing a handgun to school, according to Greenville police and Superintendent Mike Looney.

The incident is currently under investigation by school officials, said Looney. He said the Board of Education would review the evidence during its Nov. 16 meeting where it is likely a recommendation will be made to expel the student for the remainder of the year.

&#8220The student did not make any threats with the gun,” said Looney. &#8220But nevertheless he did bring a handgun on school grounds and we take this very seriously.”

Looney said a GMS teacher noticed the student in question passing a book bag containing the weapon among other students. Looney said the gun was a .22 caliber Derringer pistol.

Looney said the student was taken off campus by Greenville police car and he was turned over to his parents.

Last month a contractor assigned work at Greenville High School was arrested for allegedly bringing a handgun on campus.

Greenville police arrested Dallo Johnson, 32, on Oct. 5 after school officials received an anonymous tip that Johnson had been known to carry a gun on his person.

Johnson had been hired by the Board of Education to do grounds work at GHS and was working outside - not near students or faculty - when he was arrested.

In a column in Wednesday's Advocate, Looney urged students, parents and faculty to be aware of the penalties associated with bringing firearms on school grounds.

Looney said: &#8220I especially want to stress that weapons are not allowed in vehicles parked on school property.

If you are driving someone else's vehicle, please inspect it to be sure that it is free from prohibited items before you arrive on school property.

The person driving the vehicle will be held responsible for any contraband items discovered.”

He added that students are subject to expulsion and that adults who violate the policy will be referred to the proper authorities and charges would be filed.

Looney said a complete listing of prohibited items and penalties for possession are outlined in the Butler County Schools Handbook and Code of Student Conduct, available at all schools, the central office and on the Board's website.

&#8220We take school safety very seriously and strive to maintain a risk-free environment for our students to come and learn,” Looney concluded.