Sides Split on Metal Detectors in Worcester Schools
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Even with loaded guns found in Worcester High Schools, there is no agreement in the City of Worcester between the City Council and the School Committee as to how to handle the issue.
The issue of deploying metal detectors to reduce weapons in Worcester Public High School is pending before the City Council, but was put off last night.
Councilor Moe Bergman is leading the charge to improve safety in Worcester Public School, put forth a motion to have the City Manager obtain department reports as to the cost -- and feasibility -- of implementing metal detectors in all of Worcester's high schools, and/or full time Worcester Police Officers.
"I think the reality is kids don't just bring brown bag lunches to school anymore as in my day," said Bergman. "How do you handle it?"
Last week, http://www.golocalworcester.com/news/new-gun-found-in-locker-at-burncoat-hgh)">a gun had been found in a locker at Burncoat High. According to an email from Worcester Public Schools to Mayor Joe Petty, Superintendent Melinda Boone, and the Worcester School Committee, a student was overheard by Burncoat staff about using a gun in the community -- and a gun was found in a school locker.
"I think it's worth noting years ago, when detectors were brought up, the were predominently only found in places like prisons," said Bergman. "Now, you see them more and more and more -- airports, sports arenas. Young people aren't as traumatized by them, they're fairly commonplace."
Bergman note that any decision would require public input.
"Nothing would have to be permanent, it could be using hand-held wands, or random checks, there's lots of things you can incorporate," said Bergman. "Ultimately though, elected officials need to hear the feedback from the community -- parents, teachers, students. It's a democratic process. If people are satisfied with how things are, things will remain the same. If not, we have to look at how to address it."
School Committee Opinions Differ
Meanwhile, the Worcester School Committee is taking public comment Thursday on the grant that the Worcester Police Department applied for to support enhance communications with the Worcester Public Schools -- and opinions vary among the committee on its necessity.
"I don't think we need metal detectors," said school committee member John Monfredo. "I think its an overreach."
As for the grant the police applied for to improve communications, Monfredo said it had his full support.
"I have heard from school principals and staff at our schools, and have had an opportunity to discuss the grant at some length with [a number] of them," said committee member Brian O'Connell. "To this point, all with whom I have spoken are vigorously in favor of the grant, and the enhanced monitoring which it makes possible. They see no downside, and more than one of them has emphasized that the decision in support of the grant should be a "no-brainer" for the school administration and the School Committee."
School committee member Hilda Ramirez said that she would have to hear from parents first before making any decisions.
"I hope is that we involve parents in any significant policy changes at school. We cannot react," said Ramirez. "We need to hear everyone's concern and I would be happy to support what parents and teachers need to happen, rather than those of us who are not in schools daily."
Video Wall Image: BBC World Service via Flckr
Related Slideshow: 10 Ways to Fix Worcester Schools - The Candidates Weigh-In
Related Articles
- Worcester Schools Are Among Least Effective in U.S. for Spending
- NEW: Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Thursday Due to Snow Removal
- Worcester Public Schools: 2 Hour Delay on Friday
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Tuesday
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Monday Due to Weather
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Wednesday Due to Blizzard
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Tuesday Due to Blizzard
- Will Dr.Boone’s New Academy Strip City’s High Schools of Best Students?
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Thursday Due to Weather
- NEW: MA Schools Get ‘B’ on National Report Card, Rank First in U.S.
- Massachusetts’ Schools Forced to Toughen Restraint and Seclusion Rules
- NEW: North High Principal Apologizes For Putting School Back in Spotlight
- North High Principal’s Email Not on School Committee Meeting Agenda
- 10 Questions with Worcester School Committee Candidate Nick D’Andrea
- Will Worcester’s School Committee See Overhaul this Fall?
- Worcester High School Crew Seeking to Raise $12,000 to Improve Equipment
- Burncoat’s O’Connor Named MA High School Hockey All-Star
- Former Celtics Star Jo Jo White to Speak at Sullivan Middle School
- WPS Food Initiative Mentioned in National School Nutrition Journal
- Holy Name High School Starts Fundraising Campaign for New Theater Seating
- Union President Blasts School Administration for Not Firing North High Principal
- 10 Questions with School Committee Candidate Molly McCullough
- The State of Worcester’s Public School Safety
- Boone Reveals New Safety Measures for Burncoat High School
- School Committee Candidate Collins Releases Proposed Safety Plan
- 10 Questions with School Committee Candidate Robert Cohane
- Monfredo: Worcester School Committee Honors the Life and Work of “Ted” Coghlin
- Do Worcester Public School Teachers Lack Diversity?
- 10 Questions with School Committee Candidate Cotey Collins
- Salsa Night Benefiting Chandler Magnet School to be Held on Friday
- Worcester Public Schools CLOSED on Tuesday Due to Weather
- Worcester Public Schools Wins Meritorious Budget Award
- See the Matchups: New England Schools in NCAA March Madness
- New England Schools On Their Way to March Madness Tournament
- See the List: The 25 Most Diverse Schools in Worcester County
- 10 Ways to Fix Worcester Schools - The Candidates Weigh-In
- Is Student Safety a Major Concern in Worcester Schools?
- NEW: Girl Fight at North Highlights Chaotic Day for Worcester Public Schools
- Worcester Public Schools Science Fair Next Week at Ecotarium
- Massachusetts Ranks #1 in Bullying Prevention in Schools
- MA Dept of Health Not Required to Report Opioid Overdose Reversal in Schools
- Worcester Schools Open Only 8 Days in Last 4 Weeks
- Worcester Public Schools to Station WPD Officers at North High
- Mass Life Science Center to Announce Grants for Schools in Central MA
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It