Should Michigan Schools Re-Think Security After Connecticut Shootings?

In light of the horrific mass shooting Friday at a Connecticut elementary school, parents and educators all over are wondering how to keep children safe.

L'Anse Creuse Public Schools Superintendent Jackie Johnston told parents in a letter Friday that the district's own security procedures will continue to be practiced and refined for the safety of all L'Anse Creuse students, faculty and staff.

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"I would like to assure you that your children's safety is our number one priority," Johnston wrote. "As our number one priority the district upholds rigorous safety procedures that are reviewed regularly. In addition there are multiple safety drills in place for each school that are practiced throughout the school year."

Chippewa Valley Schools echoed these statements in its own email to parents Friday.

"Here in Chippewa Valley Schools the safety of our students is our top priority," wrote Superintendent Ron Roberts. "To do this we have put in place a variety of safety measures and procedures in every building. Things like security cameras, card access systems for staff, sign-in procedures for school visitors, and locking perimeter doors during the school day. Our staff members are alert and aware and routinely practice emergency and lockdown drills."

Read more: A Dakota High School student struggles to understand the shooting

In Michigan, the House and Senate passed legislation this week that would a if they get extra training. The bill is awaiting Gov. Rick Snyder's signature, but Snyder told Local 4 Friday he plans to take a week to review the bill given the recent tragedy.

David Hecker, Michigan President of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) said in a Friday statement, "We’re aghast that this lame duck legislature thinks it’s a good idea to put MORE guns in our schools, let alone places of worship or sports arenas...The House passed SB 59 on Thursday. How dare these lame duck legislators put the safety of students, educators and communities at risk. As our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of today’s tragedy in Connecticut, we call on Governor Snyder to veto this ill-considered bill."

AFT President Randi Weingarten reiterated the sentiment, "We'll never be able to prevent every senseless act of violence, but our children, educators and school employees go to school believing it is a safe sanctuary. We've been through this too many times. Everything we can do, we must do, including a renewed focus on gun control and preventing gun violence."

A reader posting the Clinton Township Patch Facebook page Friday took a different view.

"Not that I want to get into this right now, while grieving for such loss. A responsible gun carrying owner might have been able to stop this person before such a loss of life. The bad guys are always going to be able to get guns. Thats a fact."

To which another reader replied: "Making guns less readily available is a good start."

Tell us in the comments' section below what changes, if any, should be made at your child's school in the aftermath of the Connecticut shootings?