2. Individuals wishing to enter and/or leave schools should do so through specified locations at which guards are present, thereby limiting access to buildings. Also, locking systems should be in place and checked regularly to increase safety by making sure intruders cannot open exterior doors to enter schools.
3. Because schools are typically large buildings, boards should install cameras monitored throughout the day to watch other possible entrance points such as unsecured windows.
4. Insofar as the shooter in Apalachee High School was apprehended by an armed school resource officer, policies should mandate professionally trained personnel at all entrances and exits. While the resource officer in Georgia was armed, as one who has concerns about bringing weapons into schools, local boards should have the discretion to decide whether safety personnel can carry weapons because this may not be popular in all communities.
5. Board policies should require school personnel to follow up on students with mental health issues using various threat assessment techniques; this should include providing professional development to staff to help them identify students in need of help to ensure they are receiving appropriate counseling and other services. Moreover, because local police visited the student and his father in 2023, both of whom are now in custody, after receiving a tip from the FBI that the youngster had expressed his interest in “shooting up” a middle school, it is essential that those undergoing emotional difficulties receive counseling and other assistance to ensure they do not engage in violent activities. This is important because as helpful as items such as security checkpoints may be, personal awareness and providing help are essential to better protect school safety.
Critics are likely to respond with two objections. First, they might argue these measures will improperly limit access to buildings by students, educators, visitors, and others. Critics might even add that students and visitors feel threatened by the increased security measures. Second, opponents might claim the cost involved in adopting such measures is too great in light of already tight school budgets.
Of course, I readily concede that almost no security system is foolproof. Yet, I believe these are reasonable steps educational leaders in the Miami Valley and Ohio should consider because they represent the ounce of prevention to help avoid a later pound of cure in the ongoing effort to avoid another tragic school shooting.
After all, aren’t the lives and well-being of our children and educators worth taking extra precautions to keep them safe?
Charles J. Russo, J.D., Ed.D., is the Joseph Panzer Chair of Education in the School of Education and Health Sciences (SEHS) and Research Professor of Law in the School of Law at the University of Dayton.
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