Dorchester 2 Pledges to Renew Safety Efforts

With the nation still in mourning over last week's massacre at a Conneticut school, Dorchester County School District Two has released a statement pledging to renew its efforts on school security. 

Lock-down drills, school security and crisis management plans are all at the center of discussion for the district this week as the district superintendent called for a review of safety procedures. Superintendent Joe Pye talked with district principals Monday, according to district spokeswoman Pat Raynor. 

All of the district's schools are equipped with security entrances that require those outside to be buzzed into the main office. In the district's middle and high schools, there are school resource officers, who are trained and fully equipped law enforcement officers, Raynor said. Those officers can also be quickly dispatched to a neighboring elementary school, she added.

Here is the full statement by Dorchester Two:

The thoughts and prayers of the entire Dorchester District Two family are with the families and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary School in the wake of the tremendous tragedy that occurred in their community. Such loss is beyond comprehension. Naturally an event of this magnitude that occurs in a school gives all administrators, teachers, and staff in our school system reason to focus on the safety procedures and security measures that are in place to protect children and staff.

Today all principals met with Superintendent Joe Pye and district staff to review school crisis management plans and to discuss areas where security could be tightened. Principals agreed that certain procedures such as the process for signing visitors and parents into and out of the buildings should be more stringent and should be consistent throughout the district. Pye also requested that a review of safety procedures be conducted with all teachers and staff to ensure everyone understands their role in any emergency situation.

Safety is always the number one priority in every school in our district. Please be assured that every school has a safety plan and each teacher has a copy in his/her classroom. This comprehensive plan of action covers a variety of situations from dangerous weather conditions to intruder/hostage situations.

In addition, Mike Turner, district safety/security coordinator, has conducted a school safety assessment at most all schools to identify the level of safety measures in place at each facility. This safety audit was developed to gage the effectiveness of safety procedures and is recommended to be conducted every two years. Lock-down drills are practiced during the year to ensure that students and staff know the specific plan of action in such a situation. We are very blessed to have local law enforcement agencies that partner with our schools for support when needed. Mr. Pye will be meeting with these agencies very soon to discuss ways of working more closely with them.

We appreciate your support in our efforts to practice safety for our children in all that we do. We pledge to renew our efforts to provide the safest learning environment possible for our students and staff.