Schools Move
To Lockdowns
For Security

In the wake of school violence in Vermont and across the country, the Vermont Education Department has created a School Crisis Team to review immediate and future steps to improve school security.

Specifically, area school boards were told this week, the state is requiring that schools have specific lockdown procedures in place.

Those procedures would have to include ways to notify the general public when a lockdown was called. On Oct. 6, a lockdown at Missisquoi Valley Union High School created a great deal of confusion among parents and community members, some of whom were receiving cell phone messages from their children but no information from the school.

School boards in three area towns discussed security measures this week and last.

Randolph Union H.S.

The need to review and upgrade school security procedures was a topic at the Randolph Union High School Board's Oct. 11 meeting. Suggestions ranged from installing new door locks and reconfiguring the main entrance, to again having a full-time police officer in the school.

School board member Andy Becker noted that now-as plans for a $10-million renovation at RUHS are being readied for a bond vote-would be an ideal time to plan for structural changes, such as a more secure entryway.

Orange Southwest Supt. Kay suggested that Randolph Police Chief Jim Krakowiecki be invited to a meeting of the RUHS building committee, for his input on possible safety improvements.

RUHS Principal John Holmes advised the board that "clear the hall" drills are being held, and a practice evacuation to the elementary school will be conducted in the future.

In the event of a lockdown or other emergency, Holmes added, an established phone tree would be used, and radio and TV stations will be contacted as for a "snow day" to provide information to the community.

It was also noted that videotapes of the interior of RUHS and RTCC were being made and would be provided to police, for information during a lock-down type of crisis.

RUHS teacher Scott Sorrell, who lives in Essex, indicated that he felt it would be safer to change classroom locks, so that they could be locked from the inside.

The husband of the teacher killed in the Essex shooting later suggested that she might be alive today if she hadn't needed to go out in the hall to lock the door.

Holmes noted an Interactive Television session on security issues would be held October 12 at VTC, and some local school officials and board members planned to attend.

Board members also debated the merits of having a school resource (police) officer present at RUHS. RUHS had an "SRO" for part of a school year a few years ago, with the position funded by a grant, secured by the Randolph Police Department.

It was agreed that having an officer in school had been a positive experience, in large part because the officer, Tina Farnham, was able to establish a good rapport with students.

Board Chair Linda Minsinger noted that an important part of school security was having students willing to report potential problems.

Principal Holmes said that he and Middle School Principal Judy Hynes had found that students were good about coming forward, if they heard rumors, for example, of a weapon being brought to school or threats being made.

Other OSSU Schools

Supt. Brent Kay noted this week that all schools in the Orange Southwest Supervisory Union have been reviewing security.

After the late August school shooting in Essex that left one teacher dead, Kay said he invited Randolph Police Chief Jim Krakowiecki to attend a cabinet meeting of all district administrators to discuss security. The chief also toured the schools in the police district-Randolph Elementary and RUHS/RTCC-to look for issues specific to each building.

Emergency plans in each of the OSSU schools, in Randolph, Braintree, and Brookfield, have been reviewed, and administrators are holding drills to make sure that both staff and students understand the procedures.

Kay said he welcomed the community's suggestions on a satisfactory communication method. In a crisis, he noted, it would be important for parents to have complete information.

"If an emergency hits, and a parent shows up (at school) it might not be a safe place for them," he said.

School Security

At a Rochester School Board meeting Oct. 17, Principal Bob Gray reported on the school security plan, which he has worked on with maintenance director Tim Dunham. They had met with state officials regarding school safety and security issues, and with a state police officer charged with helping schools develop safety plans.

Gray admitted that a change to having locked doors may be hard for the community to adjust to, but emphasized it was important. He said he has met with students at each level to discuss the changes and the reasons for them.

There will be a practice lockdown next Tuesday, Oct. 24.

In response to concerns expressed to Principal Gray by the parent of a special needs child, Mock added that "all students with special needs will get the support that they need in a lockdown situation."

Gray said there will also be a joint meeting with first responders and other emergency personnel and state officials.

He and Dunham spoke with the board about a number of changes, such as new locks, increased lighting, and security cameras, they would like to make in the physical plant to make the buildings more secure.

Bethel School Board

In Bethel, Supt. Tim Mock told the school board that, on Oct. 6, union and school staffs had met with the Crisis Team. Among items recommended, he said, are the formation of a public safety committee, practice drills and simulations, a review of emergency procedures and policies, and the development of a school communication system.

Principal Andy West announced that the school is already at work to establish effective lock-down procedures and to ensure that the school doors are secured according to schedule. He said he is looking into the possibility of a wireless intercom system in the school, and perhaps a swipe card with a key code system for entrance to the school after lockdown.

"Such a system would provide a record of who comes and goes," he said, "and would be more secure than distributing a lot of keys for after-hours access."

School board Dietre Feeney summed up the school board's attitude towards school security:

"In today's world, we have to prepare in advance. I would not want to see an incident occur and the school not be prepared for it, and I would hate later to have to say 'I'm sorry' to the community for not having been pro-active on this issue," she said.