School security focus of Springfield discussion

Two weeks after America’s most recent school shooting, the Springfield School Board held a public discussion about the district’s school security, which members say will be one of many conversations.


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School security focus of Springfield discussion | March 01, 2018 By PATRICK ADRIAN padrian@eagletimes.com SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Two weeks after America’s most recent school shooting, the Springfield School Board held a public discussion about the district’s school security, which members say will be one of many conversations. Board member Mike Griffin said the purpose for requesting this meeting was to gain an understanding an understanding of the security of the schools now and where the district needs to improve. “I feel my kids are safe in our schools,” Griffin said. “But unfortunately I don’t think I can have that ‘not in my neighborhood’ attitude anymore. I think it’s important that we have the conversation to recognize what our needs are and what our needs are not.” On Jan. 29, Springfield High School and the nearby River Valley Technical Center were locked down for several hours. No injuries were reported. Participating in the discussion were the district’s four school principals: Bindy Halthorn, Springfield High School; Principal Steve Cone, Springfield Middle School; Nancy Wiese, Union Street Elementary School; and Christine Pereira, Elm Street Elementary School. Kevin Anderson, who oversees the district’s safety and emergency operations, presented an overview of the district’s comprehensive emergency plan and changes being made by the district and state. Each school has an emergency plan, Anderson explained. The plan includes floor plans of the building, evacuation and lockdown procedures and emergency contacts. The police department also has copies of the plans for coordinating purposes. The schools follow the same command system employed by the military and police, fire and emergency agencies, to improve communications and effectiveness. Yet school shootings in recent years have prompted changes in the protocol, Anderson said. One change this year is the addition of bleeding control items like tourniquets to classroom emergency “go bags.” Anderson said that many victims in school shootings died from uncontrolled bleeding. The recent shooting in Florida has also raised need for national and safety officials to review certain protocols, particularly concerning how to respond during a fire drill. In Florida, the shooter, Nicholas Cruz, lured students and faculty out of the classrooms by pulling the fire alarm. The state fire marshal informed Anderson that the only buildings exempt from evacuation during a fire alarm are hospitals and correction centers. The state will likely be reviewing emergency procedures in the wake of the Florida shooting. Anderson recommends for now that teachers practice “protect in place,” such as first looking into the hallway before having anyone exit the classroom. So far as the Springfield district’s security, Anderson would recommend more time to train staff and practice drills. As a former state trooper Anderson said repeating simulated drills was critical to preparing them. When entering high-risk situations, people have to be ready, Anderson said. Routine practice makes a person more comfortable with the procedure in order to attend to the situation around them. The benefit of drills connected with another area of focus — security of the facilities. Wiese said that evacuation and lockdown drills at Union Street help her administration study and revise practices. They also help staff find equipment issues. During a drill Wednesday, staff members discovered a lock that didn’t work, Wiese said. Maintenance was contacted to address the problem. Administrators agreed that a districtwide facilities assessment should be a priority this year. While the budget schedule limits immediate action regarding school security, board members and administrators agreed that this conversation was a productive beginning.