MACON, Ga. — We're continuing coverage on a lockdown at Bibb County's Westside High School after a 17-year-old came to campus with a rifle.
Austin is the mother of two freshmen at the high school. She says her concerns started Tuesday, the day before 17-year-old Zyon Hardwick came to campus with a rifle.
"Our students actually reported that there was a fight at the school," says Austin.
She says this led to rumors that the victim planned to shoot up Westside High School the next day.
"The original incident which happened between two different students was never addressed by the school," she says.
She says parents are still unsure how the altercation was handled, and it left her uncomfortable , so much so that she kept her students home Wednesday, the day a weapon was carried onto campus.
"It concerns me because I want to make sure that if I send my children to school, they[re going to be safe," she says.
Austin says one of her kids doesn't want to return, saying after the incident one of her kids asked, "'Are we transferring?' I had to explain to her we're not looking to transfer yet."
That's not until she can get some more answers.
She wants the Bibb County School District to better explain how they will move forward.
"What are you doing to make sure that after the holiday there's not an action taken against the school?" she says.
We spoke to Superintendent Dan Sims Thursday, and he told us no extra precautions would be taken.
"There are no other plans other than to continue to monitor, and practice and ensure that everybody knows, understands and is ready to implement our safety precautions when its time," he said.
That's not OK with Austin. She's looking for extra safety patrolling in the schools.
"In this day and time, where there are so many school shootings, there's so many other incidents happening with our children, we owe it to our children to make sure that they have that added presence," Austin says.
She also looking for more open communication between the district and parents.
"Are you going to be open for questions or are we just going to have a one-sided conversation?" she asks.
Austin says in the age of social media, information -- whether true or false -- is spread quickly, like in the case of this incident. in the future she would like more timely alerts from the Bibb County School District.
Stephanie Hartley with the district and other school officials declined to answer further questions about incidents at Westside on Tuesday and Wednesday.
However, she says counseling resources will be available to students after Thanksgiving Break, and reminds parents to keep contact information updated in the Parent Portal.
17-year-old Z'yon Hardwick remains in the Bibb County jail.
He faces several charges including gang activity and having a weapon on school grounds.