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Friday, February 1, 2013

Huefner Asks For Armed Guards At Schools

Mr. Lamborn and School Board Members,

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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