School district responds to safety concerns

In the aftermath of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut Friday, parents and school leaders here are re-evaluating the readiness of our schools to avert another tragedy.

Becky Chizek, a mother of two children attending Clear Lake Schools, attended Monday night’s School Board meeting to ask the Board what, if any, measures are in place to ensure the safety of our school children.

“I’m asking, as a concerned parent, what is in place?” said Chizek to the School Board.

Superintendent Anita Micich assured Chizek a crisis preparedness plan is in place.  

“Schools are very safe.  We have all taken precautions since Columbine.  We have a crisis plan in every building, but we know there is a natural fear now and this will cause us to revisit our practices,” she said. 

School counselors were watching for signs Monday that local students were experiencing difficulty as a result of the mass shooting which left 28 dead, including the shooter, Adam Lanza, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.  Of those killed, 20 were children ages six or seven, and six women who worked there.  Adam Lanza’s mother, Nancy, was also killed at a separate residence. Investigators still are piecing together the details.

“It’s frightening.  There are a lot of bad things out there and I think they will become more common,” said Chizek, whose husband is a lieutenant with the Clear Lake Police Department.  “I’m surprised more parents aren’t here tonight.”

Chizek told the Board she understood the CLPD has offered to consult with the schools regarding a crisis emergency plan in the past, but had not yet been invited to meet with school leaders.  Micich - Read More Via e-Edition