Are Our Schools Safe?
By LYDIA MORGAN
and EMILY POPE
Just as school officials are looking at ways to secure the premises of local school facilities in the wake of school shootings across the nation, a Jasper County Middle School student has been removed from the school after making terroristic threats.
The unidentified student was searched upon arrival at school Wednesday morning after officials were alerted to the threats.
School Superintendent Jay Brinson said the student had been overheard on Tuesday making threats toward another student. He said he was alerted by law enforcement officials Tuesday evening, and he contacted JCMS principal Anne Massengale. Mrs. Massen-gale coordinated with Monticello Police, and the student was greeted Wednesday morning.
No weapon ws found, said Mrs. Massengale and Mr. Brinson. However, the student has been removed indefinitely from the school. The student’s parent was contacted and came to the school.
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Before this incident, school officials were interviewed about safety. Dr. Michael Rossi, Headmaster at Piedmont Academy, took a proactive stance and sent out a mass e-mail to parents, teachers, school supporters, and local businesses, outlining steps that he had taken over the summer to improve security.
In the e-mail he stressed the importance of being aware of who is on campus at all times. The buildings already were re-keyed and received new locks this summer to ensure this. Dr. Rossi insists on keeping doors locked during school hours and requires parents and visitors to sign in to the office before entering the campus. After school start time, the only entry into the building is through the front door.
Mr. Brinson said that he is reviewing the safety plan and making sure the staff is aware of the safety situation. Mr. Brinson said there is very little that can be done except to “make sure our people are vigilant.”
Just as concerned about the safety of students and faculty members was Howard Fore, Jasper County High School’s principal. Nevertheless, he feels that locking the doors would restrict students and teachers. Although the policy is in place that visitors should gain a pass from the office, the way the school is set up makes enforcing that policy difficult, he said.
The new high school facilities are based on a compact design that will help keep intruders out and allow entrance only through one-way doors by the office, said Mr. Fore. He said he planned a meeting for yesterday, Oct. 4, with the high school staff to review the different “code” levels for emergencies and their coinciding procedures.
Mr. Fore commented that the school is currently advertising for a school resource officer. He said that one advantage of a small school community is “we take care of each other.”
Washington Park Elementary School Principal Tony Tanner, expressed similar concerns. Mr. Tanner is revisiting the emergency procedure manual to remind the staff of crisis guidelines. He said that passes must be obtained for all visitors to the school and that exterior doors, excluding those at the main office, are to continue remain locked at all times.
In an e-mail sent out Tuesday afternoon, State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox said, “While we cannot predict when an incident may occur, we can prepare.”
She indicated a plan to work with the Georgia Office of Homeland Security, State Legislature, state education groups, and local systems in the upcoming months to review and make necessary updates in current school security protocol.
The Bush administration announced Tuesday that it will bring education and law enforcement experts together for a conference on coming to grips with the problem. The alarm over the recent attacks has prompted that action.
