Superintendent Larry Veracco said it would be difficult to find a new instructor to come in for what could be a short amount of time, but that students would be able to make up the missed hours later in the year.

The administration has recommended annoyance alarms for the overhead doors in the auto and machine shop areas and that the doors be closed and locked throughout the day, Bacso said. The school issued a "no trespass" notice to the community member who brought the gun to school, is reviewing safety protocols and reminded students to continue to "see something, say something," he said.

In the half hour allotted for public comment, more than 30 people called on the board to let Brannock keep his job of 45 years, each eliciting wild applause from the overflow crowd.

"He was by far my favorite teacher," Schererville resident Jake Chatel said. "His impact was greater than any other teacher. He would take time out of his day to help, every day, all day. Probably 50 percent of the people here got their first jobs through him and are mechanics now. He taught me everything and was the best teacher I had in this school."

Hebron resident Nate Fetcko said Brannock taught him to be an adult and push as hard as he could.