State Superintendent John White: Connecticut Elementary School Shooting ‘Unspeakably Tragic’

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education John White extended his condolences to the families of those affected by the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. and urged local school administrators to stay on top of their own crisis plans. 

"Today's events in Connecticut are unspeakably tragic. There are no words to capture the grief all who know and love the victims must feel," said White. "They are also sobering reminders of the fragile nature of life, especially the lives of children. I urge that superintendents, principals, and school boards continue to be vigilant in maintaining crisis management plans and the preparations necessary to implement them."

The remarks comes after a single gunman, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. with handguns and a rifle and opened fire, killing 20 children and six adults. He later took his own life.

White was appointed Louisiana's Superintendent of Education in January following stints as Superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District and on the New York City Department of Education's senior leadership team.