October 4, 2026
The Dooly County School System is deeply saddened by the overnight shooting in Vienna. Our hearts are with the families grieving the loss of loved ones, those who were injured, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are grateful for the compassion and support being demonstrated throughout our community, and those affected remain in our thoughts and prayers.
While the gathering where the incident occurred was not a school-sponsored event, we recognize that its impact may reach many of our students, families, and staff. Student and staff safety remain our highest priority. We have taken additional proactive safety measures, and our schools are prepared to welcome students and staff on Monday. Recognizing the emotional impact of this tragedy, we have activated our crisis support teams to assist. Families seeking support for their children are encouraged to contact their school’s administration.
As details continue to be confirmed, we ask everyone to respect the privacy of affected families and refrain from sharing unverified names, information, or graphic images. Please rely on investigating law enforcement agencies for updates about the incident and official district communication channels for information about school operations and support services.
We also encourage our community to check in with students, staff, parents, and neighbors throughout the coming week. A caring conversation, a listening ear, and continued support can make a meaningful difference.
We extend our sincere condolences to those grieving and our heartfelt concern to everyone recovering from injuries. Thank you for supporting Dooly County Schools and our community as we move forward together.
Respectfully,
Sherrod D. Willaford, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Dooly County School System