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Medford principal on leave after gun magazine found at school went unreported

BOSTON — A Medford principal is on paid administrative leave after a loaded gun magazine was found at a local middle school, and parents are furious after learning about a police investigation into a shooting threat at the same school.

Medford’s mayor confirmed McGlynn Middle School Principal Jake Edwards was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday morning as police and ATF officials were sweeping all the city’s schools.

"I'm putting him on administrative leave for the lack of action after, after knowing about a clip, knowing that a clip somehow disappeared and no action was taken subsequent to that. That is under his job description to maintain safety in that building," said Mayor Stephanie Burke.

At a School Committee meeting Thursday, the police chief confirmed that officers are also investigating reports that two fifth grade students threatened to shoot up the same school.

It was also announced that Medford Public Schools will be closed on Monday while staff and administrators discuss the next steps related to safety and security.

Many parents at the meeting said putting the McGlynn principal on paid leave isn’t enough and that the superintendent needs to go too

“I am here tonight for one reason and one reason only. To formally request the resignation of every person who knew of the gun clip at McGlynn in December and failed to report it to police,” one resident said.

There were 17 groups of officers taking dogs through the four elementary schools, two middle and one high school this week.

Medford City Councilor Breanna Lungo-Koehn wants Principal Edwards and Superintendent Belson fired.

"I want them terminated as does the rest of the community," said Lungo-Koehn.

It was also announced Thursday night that Medford schools has enlisted former Mass. Attorney General Martha Coakley to lead an independent investigation into the misreporting. They will begin the investigation Friday.

A middle school teacher said there was a recent meeting where the superintendent discussed being more transparent, but did not disclose the information on the gun magazine that was found.

As for the reported threat, police said they do not believe it was credible and they plan to interview the students involved and their parents.

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