New Richmond Seeks To Better Ensure School Safety and Security
Recent events on the national scale has sparked conversations in schools across America. In light of these events, safety and security has been at the forefront of these discussions. On April 10, 2018, the New Richmond Board of Education (BOE) held a special meeting to to bring these conversations home.
“We felt is was important to get input from our community on how we can improve the safety of our schools,” stated BOE President, Tim DuFau as he opened the public forum. “Before we open the floor, Superintendent Adam Bird will update us on the current security measures in place.”
The first measure discussed was the incorporation of ALICE drills. ALICE is the number one training for civilians response to an active shooter. “These drills not only teach our students what to do in a school setting, but beyond the school setting in everyday life,” stated Bird. “Our administrative team meets with one another and other law enforcement professionals to discuss these drills, review requirements, make improvements, etc.”
The second measure we are currently taking is our camera surveillance. Bird expanded that camera surveillance is not only in and on every building in our district, but it also has a presence on all of the NREVSD busses. In addition to camera surveillance, another measure of precaution is the door buzzer system. In order to access entry into any of the buildings on campus, visitors must go through a building secretary. Lastly, NREVSD has a police presence provided by the Clermont County Sheriff's Department. At the moment, the BOE pays for an off duty detail for three hours a day.
Following the Superintendents update, those in attendance heard from local emergency services professionals before the floor was open for discussion.
Throughout this portion of the evening, the audience heard from a wide range of commentators - NRHS students, medical professionals, PTO members, parents, teachers, and concerned community members. Topics of conversation among those who spoke included but were not limited to the following:
1- Mental Health
“When Doug Green visited our school a few weeks ago, I spoke to him about mental health, which is a common cause we see in school shootings. I would like to propose another counselor, one who focuses not as much on academics but more on the students mental health - someone who can just listen to us,” stated one NRHS student.
Mental health was a common thread throughout the night. A medical professional whose work is centered around children's mental behavior provided insight as well, stressing the need for coping mechanisms and resources begin being implemented into the schools as early as middle school.
2- Arming Teachers
“I would like to see board policy changed to where teachers are empowered to have the option to make the personal decision to be armed if they feel comfortable and are properly trained. This should be a joint effort with local law enforcement,” stated one community member.
Current board policy prohibits teachers from carrying and this policy has been in place since 2011. Further discussion on arming teachers included various options for screenings and trainings, the cost of safely securing guns, and the discretion that would take place in the event of a policy change.
3- School Resource Officers (SRO) vs. Off Duty Detail
“I believe an SRO is needed. A consistent SRO would have a better opportunity to get to know our students, to build those relationships, and be more personable. We appreciate the police presence we have but we would feel safer with consistency,” stated a parent of an NRHS student.
Clermont County Sheriff Leahy spoke on the cost of a full-time deputy in comparison to our current detail. He informed the audience of talk in Columbus concerning grant money for improving school safety but was uncertain as to how an SRO would fit into those talks. He also added that there are several officers and deputies trained specifically for building inspections and security improvements - this could be a challenge we face because of the age of our buildings.
As the BOE reviewed the comments made at the April 10 meeting, they are continuing discussions on arming staff members verses adding a full-time SRO, as well as, seeking ways to provide additional mental health options for students. However, immediate action will take place.
“We are moving forward with the Clermont County Sheriff Officers. We will be increasing our deputy presence from three hours a day to seven hours a day,” stated Bird. “We are going to continue our Kindness Program initiatives in all of our schools and we will be administering unannounced bag searches throughout the remainder of the school year.”
NREVSD extends gratitude to those who attended the meeting and expressed their concerns. Our district is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students and we look forward to moving forward with our community.