Readers Split on Whether Windham Should Raise School Security

On Saturday, we asked Patch readers whether they support a heightened police presence at Windham schools, or even the installation of metal detectors, and many were torn on the debate.

As details continue to trickle out about the tragedy that took the lives of 26 people in Newtown, CT late last week, the finding is that the killer, Adam Lanza, blasted his way into Sandy Hook Elementary School. He was not let in, and the school had a buzzer system.

That system, according to one reader, is also used at Windham Center School.

"I love that Center School has the buzzer system," said Gina Wesinger-Deluca. "... we need to keep our babies safe."

Another reader, Brenda Belfiore, said that the tragedy shows that a buzzer is not enough.

"If a deranged individual wants in they'll get in," she said. "Yes, more security is needed."

Tiffany Page Pietrowski gave a suggestion on what can be done beyond a buzzer system.

"We should have metal latch locks on the classroom doors," she said. "We need more than a buzzer system."

RoseAnn Frazier Mahoney said that the Center School buzzer system is flawed because people can currently enter the building freely until school starts in the morning.

"I was there yesterday and parents were entering the building through multiple doors... absolutely no security," she said of her experience on the day of the shooting. "This sadly needs to change. We need to be overprotective.

The Windham Police Department currently employs one school resource officer for the district who is stationed at the high school.

Erin Egan Galasso said that security cameras need to go at every school entrance door and should be watched by an on-duty officer at the police station. Suspicious activity, she said, would then allow WPD to dispatch officers.

Others, like Sherrie Lagasses Frisone said that ramping up security, while it might deter a shooter, it doesn't stop the fact that if they want to get in, they will get in.

"He/she can always go to a mall, supermarket, sporting event, summer camp, parade, etc." she said. "It is impossible to arm every venue where people gather."

Joanne Arruda looked at the problem from a research angle, saying that the country needs to take a hard look at the past treatment of kids with mental illness.

"The use of psychotrophic drugs in young children I believe are a big part of the problem," she said. "Do they take them for the rest of their lives? When these children get to be of age and they decide they are not taking their meds any longer, could these horrific acts of violence be the result?"

Many thought that the solution should rest in the hands of the teachers, educating them on how to shoot and arming them with guns.

"I think teachers should be taught to shoot and all given guns!" said Debbie Egan.

"Isreal does arm their teachers due to terrorism and schools have not been attacked," said Brian K. Raboin.

James Whiteway agreed, saying the students and custodians should also be armed with weapons.

Linda Figueroa sees heightened security as something that should be done until a better solution is anchored down.

"A line has now been crossed and it is only a matter of time before someone else tries to top this sick individual, " she said. 

On Sunday, a potential copycat in Indiana made a threat to an elementary school. He was found with 47 guns, although police believe that the threat may have just been a bluff.

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