An annual PDK poll finds that parents lack strong confidence that schools can protect their children against school shootings but favor armed police, mental health screenings, and metal detectors more than arming teachers to protect their children.
If we want today’s children to look back on their school days as more than just a time of “Run, Hide, Fight” training, lockdowns and lectures on the potential dangers of online behavior, school systems need to institute security measure that will create safer learning environments without making schools feel like prisons.
All adults who worked in Chicago public schools – including employees, coaches, volunteers and vendors – will undergo background checks before classes begin this fall, CPS announced last week.
NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill joined local politicians and school officials earlier this month to demand that state legislators push through a bill to add hundreds of additional surveillance cameras on streets in school zones.
“One of the key components to ensuring comprehensive school safety is an effective school resource officer,” says Atif Qarni, Secretary of Education. “This funding will greatly help schools partner with officers to promote safety of our students and schools.”
The Orange County, FL Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on a three-year, $4 million active-shooter training program for teachers and school officials.
The Broward League of Cities' task force on school security released a 93-page report with 100 suggestions this week, including increasing school hardening, reformed discipline policies and access to mental health resources.