Mukwonago Parent Brought Firearm Onto School Bus, District Says

Officials say the weapon remained secured and was never removed during the bus route.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Mukwonago Area School District says a parent boarded a Section Elementary school bus last week with a lockbox containing a firearm. The district said the weapon stayed secured in the lockbox throughout the bus route and was never removed. The district is now reviewing its transportation protocols and contract with the bus service provider.

Why it matters

The incident has raised concerns about school bus safety and the protocols in place for non-students and non-staff riding buses. The district is working to ensure clear expectations and procedures are defined with its transportation provider.

The details

According to the district, the incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 26, when a parent boarded the bus due to a reported personal safety concern. The district later learned through a police investigation that the parent had a lockbox containing a firearm, but the weapon remained secured and was never removed during the bus route.

  • The incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Mukwonago Area School District

The school district that oversees Section Elementary school and is reviewing its transportation policies and contract with the bus service provider following the incident.

Dousman Transport

The company that provides bus service to the Mukwonago Area School District and is meeting with the district to re-establish clear protocols regarding non-students and non-staff riding buses.

Mukwonago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted an investigation into the incident and is supporting the school district.

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What they’re saying

“Student and staff safety remain the district's top priority.”

— Dr. Joe Koch, Superintendent, Mukwonago Area School District (fox6now.com)

What’s next

The district said it will continue to update the community as appropriate and is meeting with Dousman Transport to re-establish clear protocols regarding non-students and non-staff riding buses.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of clear transportation policies and procedures to ensure the safety of students on school buses. The district's review of its contract and protocols with the bus service provider aims to prevent similar situations in the future and maintain a secure environment for students.