NORMAN — The political responses to Friday’s shooting in Newtown, Conn., have been quick and predictable. One Oklahoma lawmaker wants to train, certify and arm teachers. Others want to place more security officers at schools. Still more want to reinstate the federal ban on assault rifles. (Just the mention of that sends sales soaring.)
Norman’s board of education this week formed a security committee to look at each of the district’s schools and determine if immediate changes are needed. Assistant Superintendent Roger Brown, the district’s point man on the recent bond issue construction, will head up the inquiry.
Most of the security changes at U.S. schools came about following the Columbine High School shootings in 1999. Adding people, changing entrances and installing security technology is expensive and cuts into district’s already stretched resources.
Post-Columbine bond issues have all addressed campus security. Lawmakers will begin asking questions about security when the session opens next year, and the district should be ready to respond.
A review of the district’s security measures is always in order. We applaud the board for being pro-active and looking for ways to keep Norman children and their teachers in a safe, educational environment.
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