The Plymouth School Board got an update Tuesday on what school officials are doing to keep students safe. Director of Safety and Security Ted Brown said that while he can’t keep kids safe 100 percent of the time, he believes the school corporation is on the right track.
Over the past year, teachers, aides, cafeteria staff, and secretaries have begun using a video training system that presents a range of emergency scenarios. After watching the videos, staff members break into small groups to discuss what to do next. Brown said the goal is to teach staff and students that they have options during emergencies.
Going forward, Brown said he plans to explore ways to make it easier for students to communicate with safety officials. He noted that that the school corporation already has an anonymous tip line on its website, but he wants to break down any remaining barriers preventing people from sharing vital information.
Over the summer, Brown also plans to update the school corporation’s reunification protocols. They outline how students are reunited with their parents following all sorts of emergency situations, for example, if a school bus is involved in a traffic accident.
Brown also said the question of whether metal detectors should be installed in the corporation’s schools is often brought to him and Superintendent Andy Hartley. “We are looking, but there are concerns that we have,” Brown said. “Number one, you need two armed personnel to man every entrance, then, that is covered by a metal detector.”
During his remarks to board members, Superintendent Hartley recognized Brown, saying his work demonstrates Plymouth Schools’ commitment to students. “Student safety, school security is certainly our highest priority, and it’s a complicated topic,” Hartley said. “It’s an emotional one. But to have him on our team to help lead, guide, train our stakeholders and help us navigate that throughout our school system is tremendous.”
Brown said he often tells people that he hates that there has to be a position like his, but he also loves doing his job
