This year, CMS plans on rolling out several new measures to protect our schools against youth violence and shootings.
Last February, after the mass shooting in Parkland, FL, CMS Superintendent Wilcox said, “I have asked our team to review all safety procedures and I have asked our police and other local law enforcement agencies to increase their visibility and presence on and around our campuses.”
Further measures were promised after 16-year-old Bobby McKeithen was shot and killed at Butler High School.
This week, CMS sent out the following press release about the upcoming changes:
“CMS is making security changes as announced on November 16 to help keep students and staff safe at school. CMS workers and contractors continue to install safety equipment, upgrade security technologies and update crisis procedures. Preparations for safety screenings at randomly selected schools, including wanding and bag checks, are moving forward thoughtfully to both enhance safety at school and protect the rights of students. Extensive communications are planned so that all students, families, staff know what to expect when security screenings begin in the coming weeks. The district will share detailed updates as this work continues.”
One measure that has already been implemented in 18 area schools is the installation of CMPD invention called the Barricade Box. Sergeant Chris Kopp invented the unique device to stop potential school shooters from entering classrooms.
The simple, yet powerful device prevents any door from being breached by up to 10,000 pounds of force.
The school district will also start using metal-detecting wands in all schools, along with camera upgrades, key-less entry systems, and panic buttons for all 9,000 teachers by the end of 2019.
What else do you think should be done to prevent future shootings?