EMS and fire crews were called after bear spray was discharged at Westmount School in Okotoks this morning.
Okotoks Fire & Rescue responded to the school at about 9 a.m. on May 13.
In a statement, Foothills School Division confirmed that bear spray was discharged in a classroom.
“We can confirm that bear spray was brought into the school and accidentally discharged in the presence of students,” the statement said.
Affected students were relocated to a safe area and assessed, including a group of students writing exams who finished the test at a different location within the school.
For privacy reasons, FSD said it would not release the number of students affected.
The division said safety is a priority and it will conduct a review into the incident.
“As with any incident, we will be reviewing administrative procedures to ensure that an incident of this nature may not reoccur,” the division said.
“We appreciate the public’s understanding and patience while we support student safety and work to prevent further incidents."
The division said that bringing weapons to school, including replicas, violates its code of conduct and the Education Act.
“As partners in education, we ask for caregivers to have a conversation with their children about the impact of bringing weapons, such as bear spray, to school.”
The K-9 school has about 550 students and 48 staff members.
