Security changes announced March 21, 2018 by the Superintendent Robert W. Runcie for the Broward County school district where the Feb. 14th Parkland Shooting occurred.
Dear Broward County Public Schools Families:
Across our community, our hearts remain with Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and all of those impacted by the February 14, 2018, tragedy.
Over the past several weeks, we have received many inquiries regarding the District’s efforts to fortify school campuses and enhance safety protocols. We want to assure you that the safety and security of our students and employees remain our highest priorities. In addition to the District’s ongoing efforts, the recent signing of Senate Bill 7026 (the School Safety Bill) into law, provides our District with additional resources to support this critical work. Below are details on safety and security measures Districtwide.
Safety and Security Measures – Now and Ongoing• All safety protocols for routine school operations are being reinforced at all schools. This includes requiring students and staff to wear identification badges while on campus; locking classroom doors at all times; locking and securing exterior doors and gates throughout the day; being vigilant in monitoring the campus throughout the day; and conducting emergency preparedness and response training for faculty, staff and students on a regular basis.
• The District actively conducts code red training, which is the foundation of active-shooter training, throughout the school year at all schools. We are working with law enforcement agencies to evaluate the protocols and frequency of code red training and drills for all schools for the next school year.
• The District is in the process of upgrading real-time surveillance camera systems at all schools. The work will be completed by June 2018. This work is being funded through the District’s current capital budget funding sources.
Safety and Security Measures – To be Completed• The District has expedited the completion of Single Point of Entry measures for campus visitors, which use fencing and door systems to limit access to one entrance. This work will be completed at all schools by the end of this calendar year or the first quarter of 2019 at the latest. This work is being funded through the District’s current capital budget funding sources.
• With the approval of recent legislation, the state will provide the District with approximately $8.5 million to place a minimum of one School Resource Officer in each school beginning in the 2018/19 school year.
• With the approval of recent legislation, the state will also provide the District with approximately $6 million to expand mental health services beginning in the 2018/19 school year.
• The District will develop a Districtwide Security Risk Assessment for all schools by August 2018 and compete for a share of a $98 million statewide allocation to fund, in whole or in part, the costs associated with improving the physical security of school buildings. The state anticipates awarding grant funds to approved school districts in the first quarter of 2019.
• The District will convene working groups and task forces to garner suggestions from citizens in our communities.
Keeping our students, staff and schools safe is the responsibility of everyone in our community. We encourage parents and families to reinforce with their children – if you see something, say something.
While we cannot change the heartbreaking and senseless act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, by working together, we can change the future. All students deserve safe schools. We are proud of our students’ determination to effect positive change in this country – and for the incredible support from the Broward community and across the country.
Thank you for your ongoing support during this difficult time, as we continue to recover from this tragedy.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Runcie
Superintendent, Broward County Public Schools
http://browardschools.com/msdhupdates---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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