Schools evaluate safety after Conn. shooting

Sandy Hook Elementary School students in Newtown, Conn., returned to classes Thursday for the first time since a gunman killed 26 people, 20 of them school children, at the school Dec. 14.

Schools across the country are taking measures to make their schools safer, including those in Monroe County. 

James Muehling, former president of the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board of Education, said counseling services have been provided to students who requested them. The school corporation also reviewed safety policies with all staff at schools and looked at ways safety measures can be improved.

“It’s something that we really put a lot of focus on in the last few years,” he said.

Sue Wanzer, MCCSC board of education member, said emergency and evacuation plans were recently revised.

For a person to gain access to a MCCSC building, they must first identify themselves to security cameras installed in the doorways. Permitted building visitors are then granted access to the building via a “buzz-in” system. Police are also usually present in buildings during school hours, Muehling said.

A Bloomington High School South student was recently overheard by a classmate saying he wanted to “break the record” of the Newtown shooting victim count. Muehling said students and staff are encouraged to report anything alarming they may hear.

Each building was inspected and school officials made sure concerns, such as trees blocking lines of sight, were addressed.

MCCSC Superintendent Judy DeMuth said students realize this kind of tragedy can happen anywhere.

“There is just a refining and a sharpening with what we already do,” said Beverly Smith, MCCSC director of school and community services.

She said students reporting incidents are one of the most important ways the administration becomes aware of dangerous situations.

“I think students take these things seriously,” DeMuth said.

As superintendent, DeMuth said her attention is focused on student safety.

Following the Newtown shooting, DeMuth said the schools evaluated how they would have implemented protocol in the event a similar situation were to occur at an MCCSC school.

“Nothing is taken lightly,” Muehling said. “Each (potentially threatening situation) is handled on an individual basis and followed up on religiously. Student safety is our number one priority. You have to provide that environment that is safe and secure.”