In the wake of last week’s school shooting in Florida, local school superintendents are taking steps to reassure parents and students. West Central Superintendent Don Street issued a letter to the local community Monday.
He says making sure students feel safe at school is a big priority. “Obviously, you do what you can,” he says. “You practice drills. We’ve added cameras. We’re securing doors. We have our utilization of space project and our secure entrance project. You just want people to feel safe. But you always have to be improving, and be proactive in trying to make your school and your home and your business safe as well.”
Street says local residents can do their part by reporting threats of violence to police. “With social media the way it is, people might make comments dealing with situations that might occur,” he says. “So I think just keeping ears open and telling people if they hear inappropriate comments that relate to violence, either towards self or towards others, and just being proactive in talking to local law enforcement, as well as schools.”
He adds that West Central has a very good working relationship with the Francesville and Medaryville police departments, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, and Indiana State Police. “Our doors are always open to law enforcement to visit the school,” he explains, “and it’s a good relationship that the police could build with the students, as well.”
Street says the school corporation has also taken steps to make sure students have access to mental health care. “We also have a relationship with Four County Counseling, where our students and families can get Four County help, if needed, at school, to provide any kind of health service needs that might be needed, as well.”
He adds that several West Central staff members have attended the Indiana School Safety Academy, and he’s encouraging others to go, as well.
