By James Massara
With multiple threats being made recently against schools in and near Crawford County, the Wynford Board of Education discussed what measures would be taken if such a threat occurred with the Wynford district.
Superintendent Fred Fox said the staffs of both Wynford buildings need to discuss and know what to do if threats happen in one or both buildings.
He added that no one is to publicly share specifics of the school’s safety plans for the sake of student safety.
According to Fox, parents will receive a text message alert from school administration if an incident ever occurs. After a suggestion from board member Rhonda Rowland, Fox said it may be possible to send a test message to parents.
“Receiving a message during that situation without knowing it’s a possibility beforehand may set someone off,” Rowland said.
Board members then discussed how they may prevent a threat of violence against Wynford.
“Unfortunately, we may need that orange jumpsuit and handcuff shot to make kids realize they’re playing with fire and it’s no joke,” Fox said. “We have zero tolerance for that.”
Surveillance also was a discussion among board members.
Board members were informed of grants being written by Wynford High School Principal Jeff Holbrook. The grants are for additional security measures, including new cameras.
Fox told those in attendance the new building also will have up-to-date security features and video surveillance equipment.
Wynford Junior High Principal Chris Solis told the board he spoke to students while they attended their lunch periods. Solis said he told students that they needed to be sure to not fall into the trend of the school threats and to know that if such a threat does occur, that the students would be dealt with accordingly.
Board member Tom Kalb asked what the possibilities of a resource officer for the district would be, and Fox said he would be interested in an officer, but would want to be sure the individual was trained as a resource officer and would be able to get to know and interact with the students as well as providing a presence for the students’ safety.
Fox added that he would be interested to see if the federal government would allocate funds to schools to assist in hiring officers in response to the school threats and violent acts that have occurred nationally.
One high school teacher asked if the board had considered school employees carrying a concealed weapon while on the school campus. The teacher wished to remain anonymous due to the thought process behind carrying a concealed weapon.
Board Presidents Debbie Gifford said she’s sure the board members have personally thought about the option, but the board has never discussed the topic in session.
Board member Fred Hendricks said it may be beneficial to have a panel of resources to share information on the topic from those who know the topic better.
Kalb replied that it was a shame they had to have the conversation in the first place.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff,” Rowland told those in attendance.