Monfredo: Safety Audit Of The Worcester Schools Under Review… What Are The Priorities?
Sunday, December 27, 2015
The report comes as a result of a series of violent acts in and around some of our city’s high schools during this year. Therefore, it was expressed by many to do all that we can to make sure that safety is reviewed within our school system and that it be a top priority. The report recommends spending nearly $5.2 million over the next three years, with $2.9 million in the next 12 months on critical and high priority items.
Like with any report one needs to review its priorities and see what makes sense for the system and what can be afforded. In the report a quote from Justine Brown of emergency management stated. “There’s no silver bullet when it comes to protecting schools. Keeping students safe is the responsibility of the entire community.” It is a most profound statement and one that we are all well aware of for we need to build a foundation for safety and security within our community. This is not a school initiative but a community effort. The report emphasized the need for community involvement and for the community to take ownership of their surroundings such as adopt a school and assist in the maintaining the property to prevent crime. The importance of parent involvement was also a strong recommendation…thus having the parents as strong partners within the school.
As a former principal, I feel that the measures to enhance the safety of our schools during the past six months has been “spot on”, with more security and additional equipment added. We do have safe schools in Worcester but more can be done. Obviously, one needs to use a common sense approach as we review the information and see what is in the best interests of our children.
I certainly would want the schools educational leaders, our principals, and the district’s school safety liaison to guide us in any additional measures. Superintendent Rodrigues has already committed this report to the newly created Safety Advisory Committee made up of principals, child study personnel and administration. The idea is to review the report, look at priorities for the district and then allow our partners in education, our city government and the public to have input. The committee will bring their suggestions to the table in February.
The report suggested as a critical need main entrances, door locks and alarms in our older schools as a priority. The report gave the district high marks for many procedures and equipment that are in place. Emphasis was placed on older buildings and suggested that the district aggressively seek the Massachusetts School Board Authority’s immediate support to assist the district’s older buildings. Another recommendation was to revamp the role of the Worcester Police Liaison Officers, who would become Resource Officers and thus take a more active role within the school… assisting in health classes, basic learning, and lend a hand to principals with incidents without a mandatory and immediate elevation to criminal arrest requirements.
A cost factor in the report that I don’t feel is necessary is the expansion of the resource officers in our districts at the middle school and elementary school.The use of the resource officers this year has been a positive one according to our principals and it has been embraced by the majority of students, but there is not a need to expand what we currently have as suggested in the report.
Another suggestion is the hiring of an Emergency Preparedness officer and I feel that this is not needed because we do have our Safety Liaison Officer, Mr. Pezzella, in place. He does a wonderful job within our schools and has a great working relationship with the Worcester Police Department.
I do like the idea of expanding the after school program as suggested in the report for not only does it make sense from a safety issue but also from an academic point of view. In addition, the expansion will build partnerships to support our schools, give our students an alternative to hanging out on the streets, and provide activities in a safe environment whether it be in the schools or at outside agencies such as the Youth Center, the YMCA Boys and Girls Club or other social agencies.This would alleviate the concerns of parents who, due to fear of the outside environment, would have a place for their children to go. It could also improve attendance and enhance the academic skills of the student… it’s a win win proposal.
Across the world and within our country we see such violent acts occurring within safe communities and we must do all that we can to secure a safe environment within our city by preparing ourselves as best as possible. As a community we need to be vigilant and reach out to others and let’s start during the holiday season with just one act of kindness.
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