We started this week with the reality of another deadly school shooting – and a deep sadness for the lives lost and their loved ones.
There’s still a lot we don’t know about the shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, but what we do know is six people, including three children, were killed and the shooter gained access to the building despite security protocols that included locked doors. This fact is every school community’s biggest fear – and something that requires continuous planning and adjusting of security procedures and a commitment to vigilance by staff, students and parents.
Thanks to security protocols and a quick response by law enforcement, the death toll in this shooting wasn’t higher. Although, that is little comfort to the families reeling from this tremendous loss and parents across the country worried about sending their children to school.
While school systems want to believe it won’t happen in their community, each school shooting reminds us it can – and should prompt a critical eye on security policies and procedures. This includes:
- Ensuring guest teachers have the knowledge and ability to perform the school’s emergency procedures. Districts need to make sure guest teachers can secure their classroom doors and if they know the school’s alerts as well as the subsequent actions.
- Reminding the school community regularly about safety and security being a partnership – if you see something, say something. Unusual activity, concerning social media posts and changes in behavior should be shared with administrators for further investigation.
- Seeking guidance from local law enforcement and safety and security partners when there are questions or concerns. Communication and planning are integral to the ongoing safety of students and staff.
As you review your security protocols, identify areas for enhancement and communicate with your school community to ease fears, the SEC team is here to support you every step of the way. Working together, we can minimize your risk of becoming another chapter in the tragic school shooting storyline.
As our country grapples with another senseless school shooting, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and send heartfelt wishes of healing for the Nashville community.