While I appreciate the school board's foresight in writing policy to define
action in case of certain emergencies, this current policy really doesn't
address the threat of someone entering the school with a gun and shooting. As a
parent, I'd like to see PREVENTION, not just what to do in case one of these
emergencies occurs. What can the school district do to prevent a school
shooting from happening in our district? I have a few ideas, and other schools
have already implemented some effective security that we should look at to
PREVENT gun violence in our own schools.
I appreciate that the doors are locked except the front entrance. However,
if someone came in the front door with a gun and started shooting, it would only
be quickly ended by someone inside the school armed with a gun. The
chances that our police officers will be too far away to help quickly are very
real.
I also appreciate the Sheriff attending our sporting events. His presence
deters such incidents from taking place at our games.
I suggest at least two armed personnel (teachers or other) be present at
each school at any given time that the schools are open. This way the district
doesn't have to hire people who are solely dedicated to security. Perhaps the
heat-packing personnel could be compensated extra for their willingness and
ability to provide security.
Once such a policy is approved, care should be taken to announce that our
schools are protected by armed personnel so as to deter any would-be shooters
from choosing our schools to commit their deeds. Small window signs can be
posted at the entrances of the buildings giving notice of armed personnel
inside. The school board should publicize to local and regional media the fact
that our schools have armed personnel on campus.
I implore you to consider this as the only way to really protect our
children and employees in our schools.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Huefner
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