CLEVELAND — In the wake of the deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas where at least 19 children and two adults lost their lives, Northeast Ohio schools are issuing statements detailing their efforts to keep their grounds safe and the support systems they are offering to staff and students.
Akron Public Schools:
- 3News reached out to Mark Williamson, the Director of Marketing Communications of Akron Public Schools. When asked if there was going to be extra police presence at schools in light of the Uvalde school shooting, he said, "Without offering details, I can simply say yes."
Brecksville/Broadview Heights City School District:
- The Superintendent of Schools Joelle M. Magyar released a statement today in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting with an update on what the district plans to focus on going forward:
- "The BBHCSD recognizes that such tragedy may cause anxiety for those in our school family, and as a result, added public safety presence has been placed throughout our campuses today. In addition, the BBHCSD reiterates its commitment to school safety and security as our top priority for students and staff. We will continue with ensuring that our safety teams, security protocols, and step-by-step plans are constantly reviewed, enhanced and prepared. We value, and work daily with our local law enforcement officials from the Cities of Brecksville and Broadview Heights through our School Resource Officers, police chiefs, and elected leadership, to ensure safety and security in our buildings. The BBHCSD also truly believes that caring relationships among students and staff helps to minimize the negativity that could lead to tragedy, and will continue promoting ways for enriching the lives of everyone in our family."
North Ridgeville City Schools:
- Superintendent Roxann Caserio wrote a letter to district families following the shooting and emphasized the importance of both safety and collaboration.
"Schools should and must be a place where students feel completely safe and secure. We are very fortunate to have strong, collaborative relationships with all of our North Ridgeville safety authorities, including our school resource officers. We are safer as a district because of our partnerships not only with the North Ridgeville Police Department, but with the community as a whole.
Parents, community members, staff, and students are our most valuable resources in keeping our schools safe and secure. The most important aspect of keeping our students and staff safe is making sure that we immediately report any concerns we see or hear about to the proper authorities.
We know that children and teens will process this news in different ways. While tomorrow is the final student day prior to the summer break, our school counselors will be available at each of our school buildings to assist students who may need extra support. Please reach out to the school offices if your child/children have a need."
Parma City Schools:
- Parma City Schools has implemented an anonymous reporting system through their website parmacityschools.org for those who do not feel comfortable reporting suspicious or troubling activity directly.
- In the statement they also said they have invested heavily in social/emotional supports for their students through the adoption of the "Second Step" curriculum (secondstep.org). They have also increased the number of home liaisons and counselors available to students.
Stow Police Department/Stow-Munroe Falls City School District:
- The Stow Police Department is partnering with the Stow Board of Education to provide extra police presence at the schools in the district. There was no indication of how long this enhanced presence would last.
3News will continue to update this story as more school districts release statements.
If your school district released a statement and want 3News to post the details in this story, contact the newsroom via email at newsdesk@wkyc.com.