Souvenir bat confiscated from student on school bus

Jefferson City Public School District officials continue to investigate a Monday morning incident on a school bus, involving a student at Simonsen Ninth Grade Center.

According to school district reports, another student saw the student in question get on the bus in possession of a "suspicious object."

The driver of the bus made contact with First Student Bus Co. supervisors, who in turn contacted authorities.

The principal at Simonsen and the school's Jefferson City police resource officer met the bus when it got to the school, and got the student off the bus.

It was discovered the student was carrying what was described as a souvenir baseball bat, similar to those given out at Major League Baseball games.

District officials said there was a "strong possibility" of discipline being meted out following this incident, but did not explain why since the investigation is continuing.

State and federal privacy rules likely will prevent the district from reporting any specific discipline that is imposed.

District officials said the incident would not be classified as a violation of the Safe Schools Act, which defines a weapon as a firearm, concealable firearm and all knives.

School officials also are trying to determine if the bat-on-the-bus incident was connected with a separate incident Sunday afternoon.

The Cole County Sheriff's Department reported they were investigating an altercation involving school-age kids.

However, the sheriff's reports said there never were any descriptions provided of those involved, nor was there any indication that the fight involved school-related issues.