Keeping Schools Safe is a Top Priority

By Ron Sexton

Superintendent, Wilmington City Schools

I am almost hesitant to write on the subject of school safety because I don’t want to be alarmist, but I know it is on the minds of some of our parents and residents and that means it deserves discussion.

What happened at Columbine and at a small Amish schoolhouse in rural Pennsylvania and at a number of other schools around the country has raised the consciousness of the public to the issue of school safety.  And we now face the reality that what once might have been viewed as the problem of urban inner-city school districts cannot be ignored by any school district.

I like to say that when all is said and done, schools have two jobs -- helping students reach their full academic potential and providing a safe, nurturing environment in which they can do it.

People ask if we are giving more attention to the issue of school safety at Wilmington City Schools these days, and my answer is an emphatic “yes … because the times demand it.”

When I joined the District six years ago, I was impressed with the school safety program.  We have worked to strengthen that program and learn from the experiences of other districts.  Some examples:

We developed a much more comprehensive emergency response plan in 2002, and we update this plan annually in conjunction with local emergency response organizations.

All visitors -- including parents -- are required to register at the school office.  We issue badges and visitors are required to wear them while in the building. 
Teachers and other staff are trained to identify potential problems and how to cope with emergencies when they occur.  Two good examples are how we successfully dealt with a mercury spill and efficiently relocated all the students from one school and how we implemented lockdown procedures without incident in response to a potential threat. 

Students are urged to keep their eyes open and report behavior or incidents that are suspicious or unusual.  We tell them this isn’t “ratting out a buddy” or “tattling” … it’s doing their part to ensure that our schools are safe.

We try to get out in front of problems before they occur.  We have increased the number of guidance counselors in schools, and we use Children’s Services social workers to intervene between school and home when necessary.  We provide school-based preventative intervention programs to counter relationship violence (threats, bullying, etc.).  We are partnering with Wilmington College to implement Project Trust, a two and a half day camp for middle school students.

We have recently begun using “greeters” at the door of each of our schools when possible.  We would welcome additional volunteer help.  If you or someone you know might be interested, call the principal at any school.
We conduct periodic, random searches of student lockers.  Some of these have included using drug-sniffing dogs.

We are committed to disciplining those who to not adhere to school rules, and to working with local authorities when actions are subject to their jurisdiction.
The vigilance of students, parents and others in the community is probably the single, most important element of a good safety program.  Feel free to contact any of our school principals or me if you have safety suggestions or specific information that you think would be helpful to us.  Another approach would be to use of our Anonymous Tip Line (1-866-LISTEN2) or the web site www.PublicSchoolWorks.com (there’s a link at the bottom of the District’s web site – www.WilmingtonCitySchools.com ).    

When safety issues arise, we communicate promptly with students, parents and the community.  Our new high-speed auto system allows us to call all parents within 30 minutes.  It is important that we have the telephone numbers and email addresses of parents and guardians.  We will be happy to add other residents to the list, too.  Contact Christine McCormick, Director of Technology -- Christine.McCormick@wilmington.k12.oh.us or call her at 937/283-7421.

This is not my favorite topic on which to write.  I would much rather be telling you about the successes our schools, students and teachers are enjoying and celebrating.  But the fact is that school safety is an issue of concern these days, and it is important that parents and residents know that we are doing all we can to address it. 

As always, I welcome your feedback and comments.  My telephone number is 937/382-1641, Ext. 7485.  My email address is ron.sexton@wilmington.k12.oh.us.