School officials, parents discuss safety after Connecticut tragedy

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) - It’s been just over a month since the tragedy in Connecticut, and since then, our nation has seen multiple other shootings on school campuses.

Here at home, discussions about school safety are ramping up.

Franklin Community School officials hosted a community forum on school safety Wednesday evening.

Law enforcement officials, school officials, and teachers were on hand to discuss with parents what is happening right now in the schools, and what they’re hoping to get done in the future.

“We want to build trust with our community, to show them we’re being proactive with safety,” said Bill Doty, Director of Operations with Franklin Community Schools.

“It’s something we’re all affected by across the country, regardless of which schools and community it’s happening in, we’ve got to assume it’s going to happen here next, and how are we going to respond when it does?” said Deputy Chief Chris Tennel, with the Franklin Police Department.

Franklin school leaders told parents attending the forum they already maintain a school safety team (as do all Indiana districts), conduct background checks for visitors coming in, and they try to maintain a police presence in schools.

They told parents they’re hoping to look over training for teachers, to make sure they have the right training in place. They’re also looking at access to buildings. One parent suggested posting volunteers at main entrances to watch the doors.

Franklin leaders say a main objective currently is to put a buzzer or intercom system in place in their elementary schools. They say their middle and high school already have that. They’re hoping to get that in place this semester.

“We all have to work together to keep our children safe,” said parent Marcy Stewart.

Leaders also discussed what they call important Indiana legislation, that would give schools funding for school resource officers.

“We all acknowledge the problems, and the solutions. What I keep hearing is that funding is an issue. We have to say we’re not going to accept that excuse, we will find the money,” said parent Denise Strait.

Discussions like this are happening across Central Indiana.

Brownsburg will host a community safety forum Thursday at West Middle school at 6:30 p.m.

Anderson held a closed door meeting Wednesday evening about safety specifics.

Westfield school leaders are also adding buzzer-intercom systems in some school buildings, amidst a few other changes. Leaders told parents through a letter last week they'll "continue to conduct drills and work with the Westfield Police and Fire Departments to hone our skills."

An IPS spokesperson said they’re constantly looking over security plans and training procedures.

Franklin Community Schools will host another forum next Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Webb Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.