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Should Michigan Schools Re-Think Security After Connecticut Shootings?

Tell us what you think your school district in Chesterfield Township and New Baltimore should consider after the Friday tragedy.

In light of the horrific mass shooting Friday at a Connecticut elementary school, parents and educators all over are wondering how to keep children safe.

LCPS Superintendent Jackie Johnston told parents in a letter Friday the district's own security procedures will continue to be practiced and refined for the safety of all L'Anse Creuse students, faculty and staff.

"I would like to assure you that your children's safety is our number one priority," Johnston wrote. "As our number one priority the district upholds rigorous safety procedures that are reviewed regularly. In addition there are multiple safety drills in place for each school that are practiced throughout the school year."

New Haven Community Schools said it will also review security measures for the district. Anchor Bay Schools officials could not be reached Friday for comment on whether they will also reassess security protocols.

In Michigan, the House and Senate passed legislation this week that would a if they get extra training. The bill is awaiting Gov. Rick Snyder's signature, but Snyder told Local 4 Friday he plans to take a week to review the bill given the recent tragedy.

David Hecker, Michigan President of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) said in a Friday statement, "We’re aghast that this lame duck legislature thinks it’s a good idea to put MORE guns in our schools, let alone places of worship or sports arenas...The House passed SB 59 on Thursday. How dare these lame duck legislators put the safety of students, educators and communities at risk. As our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of today’s tragedy in Connecticut, we call on Governor Snyder to veto this ill-considered bill."

AFT President Randi Weingarten reiterated the sentiment, "We'll never be able to prevent every senseless act of violence, but our children, educators and school employees go to school believing it is a safe sanctuary. We've been through this too many times. Everything we can do, we must do, including a renewed focus on gun control and preventing gun violence."

Tell us in the comments' section below what changes, if any, should be made at your child's school in the aftermath of the Connecticut shootings?

Samuel Kansan December 15, 2012 at 04:40 pm
Michigan needs not forget the mass murder of 42 people mostly children at the consolidated school on may 18, 1927. Andrew kehoe bought 1000 lbs of dynamite and bombed the school. This all because taxes were raised to finance new school. Leads me to believe that if crazy is coming for you, they will get you no matter what the laws are.
Jason December 15, 2012 at 05:33 pm
If the staff was ccw the evil types would rethink where they should their crimes. I firmly believe more citizens should carry. If more of us did the crazies would think twice...
dk December 16, 2012 at 12:48 pm
The changes I would like to see is that there is no chance to get pass an office door. They need in place a system that closes and locks doors automatic, bullet proof window's and a security personal that stays or visit's daily.
A.M December 16, 2012 at 03:44 pm
As a teacher I would NOT feel safer with a concealed weapon in my school. All that does is place guns directly in our schools, which can only lead to tragedy. Even the most well trained gun owners make mistakes and their weapons fall into the wrong hands and we don't need that kind of mistake IN our schools.
kathy adelini December 16, 2012 at 04:59 pm
I don't think that anyone besides teachers and staff should have access to school classrooms. In this day and age, we need to leep our students safe. I personally have been a parent volunteer in classrooms but am willing to give up that right if it means our children are safer. If teachers need help, then they can seek upper elementary student helpers. Random people such as deliveries for food etc should happen after school hours or before.
Bruce Ritchie December 16, 2012 at 07:04 pm
I like the thought of having a locked door that has to be buzzed open by office staff. However, the school in Conneticut had this system and the guy still broke in. Allowing ccw holders to carry guns in a school does not put kids at risk. Not allowing them to do so puts kids at risk when crazy people shoot up a school with no regard to gun control laws. If there was a "good guy" in the school with a gun, the carnage could have ended sooner with less kids being killed. I read that the principal was killed when she lunged at the shooter. With this kind of courage she could have saved lives, including her own, if she had a gun. I'm not saying that all educators should carry guns, but if they were able to and chose to, someone could have had a fighting chance to protect these kids.
Melissa D December 18, 2012 at 10:54 pm
I have been reading stories of the courageous teachers who hid their students in closets and cupboards. In my daughter's preschool classroom there is a bathroom that has no windows, etc. What if each classroom had such a room with concrete walls that is a bathroom or storage room, but with walls thick enough to double as a sort of panic room? The shooter wanted easy targets, I can't help but think if they could have had quick access to cover (vs. evacuation plans) they could have sat tight until the police arrived. The classrooms' simple locked doors deterred him, too. My daughter's door has a window, perhaps we should view the classroom as a unit that can be secured in an emergency?
Robert Marr December 19, 2012 at 05:32 am
I apologize for not finding this blog before posting my own. Maybe mine, on the other hand, is a little different in that it asks specifically what plans are in place. My guess is that the superintendents of all of the schools that have endured such a tragedy have all proclaimed they have the best policy to protect those inside. It's a shame that there has been such blatant failure so far. I pray the State of Michigan continues to be lucky in avoiding the possible...
Robert Marr December 19, 2012 at 05:36 am
Oh, never mind. I see this is from New Baltimore, so I'm not stepping on anyone's blog. :) However, there's no question this is a state-wide, if not nation-wide topic...

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