Plymouth Community School Superintendent, Andy Hartley, told the school board members at their meeting on June 5 that the safety and security of the kids in PCSC is their number one priority. To that end, Ted Brown, director of Safety and Security, explained a number of training measures that are being implemented over the summer break.
Brown said he had attended the Safety Specialist Academy in Indianapolis recently. He said, “By August, we should have visits by both Homeland Security and the State Fire Marshall.”
Brown indicated that some of the discussion at the Academy concerned safety plans that violate ADA compliance. He went on to say the magnet devices that are in place for safety at Plymouth Schools are being reviewed and other corporations may also implement them.
Part of the summer staff training, including both certified and non-certified staff , will be watching videos that depict scenarios that could be deemed threats. He said, ”Some are simple and some will get your heart rate pumping.” Following the videos, staff will meet in small groups for follow up discussions.
According to Brown, the schools threat assessment teams will meet over the summer when, among other items, they will look for ways to tighten the process if or when they would receive a threat. They will also have discussions on reunification protocols. He said they will have a document on how students and their parents would get back together after an incident.
Board member Larry Pinkerton asked Brown if there was any thought of metal detectors. Brown said, “We are looking, but there are concerns.” According to Brown, there would need to be two armed personal at an entrance where metal detectors would be used. “At PHS, it would mean funneling 1,100 people single file. Now I’ve created a target outside the building.”
Brown ended his report saying, “We’re going to do what is necessary to keep our kids safe.”
Carol Anders Correspondent
