When
I was given the opportunity to produce a column for the Bulletin, I decided to
mostly spin off of Wednesdays’ “Capital Highlights” column, addressing how
those items might impact our area. Sadly, this week’s leading topic was
prompted by the heinous criminal act of a deranged individual in Newtown,
Connecticut.
The
reactions to the taking of those young, innocent lives and the teachers of
Sandy Hook Elementary School have been as varied as is humanly possibly.
Everywhere, there are speculations as to where blame should be placed; guns,
video games, violent movies, bullying, inadequate security, failings of the
mental health system… Emotions have been high and understandably so, however,
acting solely on those emotions seldom results in beneficial change.
Wednesday’s
edition of “Highlights” quoted Gov. Perry asking all Texas schools to reevaluate
their security measures and cited a 2005 law requiring Texas schools “adopt and
implement a multi-hazard emergency operations plan”. Fortunately, the state recognized
one plan is not suitable to every school district, leaving our local
administrators to determine the most effective and efficient measures, in
association with local law enforcement. To this end, the law mandates a
periodic audit and report to the local board of trustees and to the Texas
School Safety Center. Which brings me now to the topic of this column.
Whenever
an incident occurs, like that on December 14th, many begin to
question whether or not their children are safe at school and it only takes a
spark to send emotions soaring. Case in point, Granbury ISD. Apparently, on
Friday, rumors began to spread of threats to students. Over the weekend,
hundreds of comments were posted to the school’s Facebook page, perpetuating
the rumors and questioning the perceived failures of the administration in
informing parents of “the facts”. The Facebook activity, which often contained
third hand or further removed information, produced an increasing panic, which
no amount of facts would quell.
According
to statements released by the Granbury Police Department and the school on
Monday, rumors of a gun found at the school were false, as was the supposed
presence of newly written graffiti threats and practically everything else that
had been discussed in the social media forum. However, a significant amount of
damage had already been done and some parents withheld students from school, on
Monday.
I
do not mean to judge them for that, as I’m sure they did what they believed to
be in the best interest of their children. But, there are a few things parents
should consider, before being drawn in to hysteria, unnecessarily. To begin,
school administrations are not going to, and shouldn’t be expected to, comment
on every bit of information they receive. That only provides more fuel to
already rampant rumors and will likely impede their and law enforcement’s
investigations. Additionally, it takes time to sort through the massive amounts
of information that comes forth in these events and time is extremely
important.
Next,
our schools’ administrations are not going to provide details on all of their
security measures and operational plans, in public forums. Understand that
doing so would undermine the whole purpose of developing the plan. Often, the
most vital and most effective security measures are unseen, by design. Respect
that and they will remain effective for a long time.
The
last thing I urge all parents to consider is perhaps the most compelling reason
to avoid spreading rumors and publicly doubting the efforts of your school’s
administration. Stop to think how many teachers, administrators and support
staff have children of their own in their schools. Isn’t it likely they have
the same desire to protect their children as the rest of us? Isn’t it likely
these teachers would address security concerns with the administration and call
them to task, if the response was inadequate?
The
superintendents of Brownwood and Early ISDs have posted statements on their
respective district’s websites, extending invitations for questions. I just ask
that you keep the preceding suggestions in mind, when formulating your
questions and acceptable replies. Specifically, I spoke to Dr. Reece Blincoe on
Tuesday, who said “We have been visiting with each of the principles, asking
that they seek input from the teachers on their campuses.” Dr. Blincoe said the
results of those discussions will be presented in an administrative meeting,
before the students return from the Christmas break. He wished to assure
parents the Brownwood schools “always put safety first”.
The
murders of the children at Sandy Hook Elementary is a chilling reminder that it
is impossible for any of us to guarantee the safety of our own, apart from
locking them away from the rest of the world. There are certain risks, which
must be accepted if our lives are to have any meaning at all. The most we can
do is minimize them through awareness and not allow emotions to dictate our
responses.
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