Task force recommends school safety improvements
6:55 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2007
49 News' investigation uncovered that Topeka schools didn't have a consistent way of preparing schools for a shooting.
In fact, schools weren't required to practice at all.
But now they must.
According to this new district policy, each school is required to hold a minimum of two lock-down drills per year.
It was promised after 49 News' investigation.
None of the schools have practiced this year, but they'll have to report in at the end of the year.
Safety Recommendations
This month, attorneys general across the nation released recommendations on how to make schools and universities safer. Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison is a member of the Task Force on School and Campus Safety. Download this printable pdf to learn the task force’s threat assessment and what education officials can do to protect their schools.
Now, legislation may also be on the way that would require all schools in Kansas to practice emergency drills every year.
A 16-page report, prepared by attorneys general across the country, recommends all states require students, teachers and emergency responders practice safety drills every year.
Attorney General Paul Morrison says school leaders have a lot on their plates, but they must be given the tools to ensure safe learning environments.
"There's a lot going on right now and I think school administrators are better than they ever have been in the past about threat assessment and trying to be proactive about preventing violence, but we've got a long way to go," he said.
Attorney General Morrison is pushing for even more reform.
At the top of his list is getting more school resource officers into schools.
Right now, 70 percent of the nation's schools don't have them.
Morrison says the officers would improve safety, because they work with students and staff to stop criminal activity and they can also help create emergency response plans.
A governor's task force that's been charged with evaluating school safety issues is expected to make additional recommendations in the coming months.
More on School Security
Track the history of 49 News' school safety stories by reading the reports listed below:
- What school safety drills, or the lack thereof, could mean to your student
- Safety expert: Kansas administrators shortsighted
- USD 501 leaders respond to 49 investigation
- School officials retracting statements from 49 News investigation
- Governor addressing gaps in school safety
- Police practice responding to active shooters
- Local schools beef up security
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