The day after a teacher who reportedly had mental health issues was accused of barricading himself in a classroom with a gun and firing a shot, Dalton school district officials sought to ease student concerns and reassure the public that they work to ensure all teachers are medically cleared to be in the classroom.

No one was hurt in the Wednesday incident at Dalton High, but the situation prompted school officials to cancel classes Thursday.

School will reopen Friday, with additional police, counselors and faith-based leaders on hand to protect and comfort students and faculty.

ajc.com

Credit: Eric Stirgus / AJC

icon to expand image

Credit: Eric Stirgus / AJC

Twice since March 2016, Dalton police responded to calls about the teacher, Jesse Randal Davidson, 53. Dalton school officials said they were aware of those incidents.

Read what school officials did after two previous events involving the police and Davidson at MyAJC.com.



MYAJC.COM: REAL JOURNALISM. REAL LOCAL IMPACT.

The AJC's Eric Stirgus keeps you updated on the latest happenings in higher education affecting metro Atlanta and Georgia. You'll find more on myAJC.com, including these stories:

 Never miss a minute of what's happening in state and local education. Subscribe to myAJC.com.

About the Authors

Keep Reading

A Georgia student warned friends about a shooting threat. He was expelled for it. (Abbey Edmonson/AJC)

Credit: Abbey Edmonson

Featured

The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC