Monroe Co schools continue safety discussions

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - The school shooting in Connecticut continues to spur change across the nation, including at schools here in Central Indiana.

In Bloomington, the conversation started even before the tragedy.

Monroe County Community School leaders say they received a federal grant, and they were able to use that to put buzzer systems into their elementary and middle schools this summer.

This fall, more than 200 teachers and staff took part in training procedures, also made possible because of that federal grant.

But since the Newtown tragedy, leaders say they’ve started looking over emergency plans. They say they will revise plans for each separate school.

“We’ve been on high alert,” said Superintendent Dr. Judith DeMuth. “We’re trying to look at our plans, making sure teachers feel comfortable in stressful situations, and we’re trying to learn from those tragedies we’ve seen.”

Dozens of parents attended a community forum on school safety, just one of many we’ve seen in school districts across Central Indiana.

Parents and staff discussed everything from bulletproof glass, to guards in schools, to new technology, to bullies and dealing with mental illness.

“That's kind of what I'm concerned about. Their implementations of processes or procedures, but maybe no one is following up to make sure that's happening,” said parent Sarah Rudd.

“I feel there has to be guards or bulletproof glass to make an impact,” said Tina Paxson, also a parent.

Bloomington Police Chief Mike Diekhoff was also on hand to answer questions. He says his officers maintain a presence in all schools.

“We really should be thinking about stopping it, before it even happens,” said Diekhoff. “Armed Guards aren’t going to do that. It’s that communication with your child, having those open lines of communication with the schools.”

Officials also discussed how they deal with threats- or simple comments made in or about schools. They said the main priority for students and parents should remain: if you see something, say something.