Parents taking their children to school today are wrestling with school safety concerns. Officials say schools need adequate staff, not more prison-like security
The gray sky this morning matched the mood as I walked my children into their Tulsa elementary school today.
Logically, they are safer in that building than on the way there, with drivers weaving in and out of traffic during morning rush hour.
But, there was a natural tension and unease in the school.
Thankfully, the teachers put smiles on their faces, hugged the kids and went on with their morning as usual.
I’m so grateful there wasn’t an armed guard or metal detector welcoming my kindergartener.
This weekend was tough on us as parents and as a country.
There are still a lot of questions about the shooting at the Sandy Hook elementary in Connecticut, where 27 people died at the hands of a troubled 20-year-old.
As expected, all schools are having a spotlight placed on them for guarantees that tragedy won’t be repeated.
Some television media have named the Tulsa schools - with addresses - where security is lax, stoking the fire of fear and anger.
In a press conference this morning, reporters drilled Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Keith Ballard and Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett about safety.
Many questions focused on whether officers would be placed at all the schools or metal detectors at all doors.
Thankfully, Gary Rudick, police chief of Tulsa Public Schools, spoke some sanity.
“Hardware equipment, locking doors are not the best investment of limited funds,” Ruddick said. “The best investment is personnel – more teachers developing relationships with children and parents. . . That’s the key.
“There is no place more intimidating with equipment, razor wire and armed guards than a prison. I don’t want to turn schools into prisons. I want effective teachers and effective principals. They are the keys to keeping students safe.”
There is so much focus on what we can visibly do, but the hard part is getting to the invisible.
Politics being played with education is dangerous because of the domino effect.
Tulsa schools have had $22 million cut from its budget during the past three years.
What gets downsized?
Teachers, counselors, school aides, paraprofessionals in special education classrooms and programs meant to add fun, meaning and extra learning for students.
What gets left is testing and overcrowded classrooms.
“If you want to make kids feel safe, that starts with a smiling teacher in the classroom,” Rudick said. “If we are going to use our limited dollars, we have to invest in children’s safety and security in the future.”
The Tulsa district has an agreement with the police department for instant computer-aided communication and extra support when needed.
A bond issue provided money for ramped up security measures, which are being implemented on scheduled. There is also a director of emergency management.
Jordan assured reporters the police and schools are in constant communication and have safety plans.
But, unlike the television reports, he’s not going to give details.
“Security is security and we’re not going to talk about it,” Jordan.
As a parent, I wish I could have guarantees.
That’s not life though.
I have to put faith into people who have dedicated their lives to educating children and keeping them safe.
I have to believe they are doing everything they can.
Ballard took a moment to remember the principal, teachers and staff who died in Connecticut protecting the children.
“That is consistent with a public servant’s mentality,” he said. “The people who work in these buildings are truly heroes in this process. We need to allay any fears they may have.”
