In a recent school board meeting, parents expressed deep concerns over safety following a gun incident at Ward Mobile High School. The discussions highlighted a growing demand for enhanced security measures in the district, particularly in light of the October 10th event where a firearm was discovered in a student's backpack.
One parent, visibly shaken, shared her emotional response to the incident, emphasizing the fear it instilled in her and other families. She criticized the board's lack of immediate action and called for transparency and proactive measures to ensure student safety. \"What are we doing?\" she questioned, urging the board to take decisive steps rather than relying solely on lockdown drills.
Another parent, Alex, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the implementation of armed security personnel in schools. He noted that neighboring districts have already adopted such measures, arguing that the presence of trained armed security could deter potential threats. He also proposed the installation of metal detectors as a necessary precaution to prevent weapons from entering school premises.
Jim Gennaw, another concerned parent, reinforced the idea that the district must not fall behind in security practices. He pointed out that lockdown drills are now a reality for students, a stark contrast to previous generations. Gennaw stressed the importance of creating a safe learning environment, stating, \"We have to also implement safety for the children here.\"
Michael Corvisero, a retired police chief and parent in the district, supported the call for armed security, suggesting that existing district personnel could be trained to fulfill this role. He highlighted the qualifications of current staff, advocating for a cost-effective solution that utilizes local resources.
The meeting underscored a collective urgency among parents for the school board to take immediate and effective action to enhance security measures, ensuring the safety of students in an increasingly uncertain environment.