COMAL COUNTY, Texas – Authorities believe a 15-year-old student turned the gun on himself after shooting a teacher at Hill Country College Preparatory High School on Monday.
The male student was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
The teacher was taken to a hospital in San Antonio. In a news conference Monday afternoon, Comal County Sheriff Mark Reynolds said the teacher’s condition is unknown.
Here’s what we know so far about the shooting.
Shooting reported Monday morning
The Hill Country College Preparatory High School, located near Bulverde at 3615 Mustang Vista, was placed on lockdown at 8:34 a.m. Monday, March 30.
In a Facebook post Monday, the sheriff’s office said it was “responding to reports of a shooting this morning near a high school in the Bulverde area.”
At 9:20 a.m., the school said in a separate Facebook post that “students and staff are in a secure area and the threat has been contained.”
The sheriff’s office said there was not an “active shooter situation” at 10:08 a.m.
Reynolds mentioned that the shooting occurred on campus but did not specify the exact location. Multiple agencies responded to the school, and the “situation was contained very, very quickly,” he said.
Students were transported by bus to nearby Bulverde Middle School for reunification with parents. “No one will be allowed back to the HCCPHS campus for belongings or parked cars until law enforcement officials release the campus,” the high school stated.
Student turned gun on himself, teacher hospitalized
Reynolds indicated authorities believe the student shot himself after shooting the teacher. Neither individual has been publicly identified as of Monday afternoon.
The sheriff confirmed that his office is investigating the connection between the student and the teacher. The deceased student’s family was present in the reunification line on Monday, and authorities will be speaking with them as the investigation into the origin of the firearm continues.
“What happened today is something no community ever wants to face, but we prepare for something that we hope never occurs,” Reynolds said, emphasizing the importance of supporting those affected.
Classes canceled, counseling offered
In a letter to parents, Principal Julie Wiley announced there would be no school on Tuesday, March 31, “to allow time for our families and staff to process and begin healing.” Counseling services will be available to students and families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mammen Family Public Library, located at 131 Bulverde Crossing.
Any vehicles or personal belongings left on campus will remain secured until further notice, Wiley stated, and guidance will be sent out on how to retrieve items. “Please know we are here to support our students, staff, and families during this time,” she added.
>> Ecumenical Center urges communication, support after deadly school shooting in Comal County
The Ecumenical Center is offering resources and access to trained professionals for those struggling in the wake of the shooting, emphasizing that support is available not only for those directly affected but for anyone experiencing distress. Community members seeking help can find more information or schedule services through the center’s website.
Students, parents react to shooting
Sarah Valdez, a mother of a freshman at the school, expressed her sadness about the reality students now face. “We got an alert from Comal ISD that the school is on lockdown, and I called my son, even though I knew they’re not supposed to be using phones,” Valdez recounted.
Jesse Lopez shared his concerns about how to reassure his daughter once they reunite, noting the challenge of explaining that she would eventually have to return to class. “That’s going to be hard to do because, for one, she has autism, and she’ll be afraid to go back,” Lopez shared.
Reports of student violence surged in the district
According to injury reports, Comal ISD educators have faced various forms of violence from students, including being bitten, headbutted, and choked during the 2024-25 school year.
Around 250 students attend the school
Hill Country College Preparatory High School is part of Comal ISD, situated about half an hour north of San Antonio. This specialized high school, founded in August 2020, serves as a “school of choice” within the district.
Currently, approximately 250 students are enrolled, as reported by Reynolds. The school initially catered to freshmen only but has expanded to include grades 9-12. It emphasizes college, career, and military readiness, alongside STEAM education, and is recognized as a New Technology High School (NTN).
The school began its operations on the campus of Spring Branch Middle School but has since transitioned to its dedicated campus. It collaborates with local colleges, including the University of Texas and Northeast Lakeview College, and offers more than a dozen Advanced Placement courses.
