Alabama Leaders Chime In On School Safety
By: Kadie Crowell
Updated: January 9, 2013
Legislators, police officers, teachers and concerned citizens gathered at the Alabama State House Wednesday to discuss a school safety. "School safety is the most important issue I've seen in my lifetime as a district attorney and more importantly as a father," said Alabama District Attorney President, Jimmie Harp.
Alabama Speaker of the House, Mike Hubbard organized Wednesday's public hearing after the Sandy Hook tragedy. "We must do everything within our power to protect Alabama teachers and Alabama students from the traumas and horrors experienced firsthand in Newton," explained Hubbard.
At the public hearing experts from across the state voiced their views on improving school safety. State Representative Kerry Rich said teachers should be trained in gun safety and have the option of being armed, but others say that's not the answer."Teaching someone to know when to shoot and when not to shoot is a lifetime training objective," explained Alabama Sheriff's Association President, Grover Smith. Sherriff Smith said this is an added weight that teachers shouldn't have to carry "We don't need to put teachers in a position that they can make a decision to take a person's life," continued Smith.
Many teachers agreed with the Sherriff and said they don't want to carry guns, but rather focus on improving communication. "There needs to be a plan in place if intruders come in, or if any other emergency situation occurs, Teachers and students need to know what to do and all faculty and staff should have a plan in place," said elementary school teacher Marla Vaughn.
Director of Homeland Security, Spencer Collier introduced "Virtual Alabama," a plan that would allow E-911 workers to see real-time updates of a school that's in danger. Adding more school resource officers and mental health education was also discussed. "Whatever decision is made doesn't necessarily need to be a state-wide blanket decision, but can be more strategic, more efficient based on the needs at the local school system," explained State Superintendent, Tommy Bice.
Legislators want you to weigh in, if you have a suggestion to improve school safety, you are encouraged to email it to Alabamaeducationcommittees@gmail.com.
