My View: We Can't Forget Columbine
The Easton Area School District has made a bad -- and dangerous -- move slashing security guards from its schools.
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Does anyone remember Columbine?
The April 1999 massacre in Colorado happened at a school.
Twelve students and a teacher were murdered and another 21 were injured, making Columbine the fourth-deadliest school massacre in U.S. history.
The Easton Area School District seems to have forgotten.
Well, and why not? It's been over 13 years since the attack and people these days just don't randomly walk into schools -- or, say, movie theaters -- and start shooting people.
That must be the reason why there are no more security guards at district elemenary schools. The school board did away with them, figuring it was another way to shave staff and save dollars in the wake of a major budget deficit.
On paper, decisions look good sometimes.
In reality, this one does not.
And, although officials in the Palmer and Forks Police Departments -- I'm sure as well as in Easton -- say they will do everything possible to patrol and protect the schools, that's not a fail-safe solution.
Anyone now can pretty much get into a school. There's really no safety net.
Not that having a security guard guarantees preventing a Columbine, but it can't hurt.
And with all of the teacher and staffing cuts this past summer by the school board, you never know how many disgruntled former employees are out there.
Sometimes, people seek revenge against their co-workers. Look at what just happened at the Empire State Building.
There are enough examples out there to ensure that no one is really safe -- watching a movie, touring the Empire State Building or sitting in a classroom.
Parents in the Easton Area School District are already worrried about how their children will be taught with all the job cuts. Now they also have to fear for their child's safety?
Parents are not pleased by this decision. Sit outside in a parent pickup line and you'll hear the rumblings.
This is one decision the Easton Area School Board should reverse. And the board should do it immediately.
A Columbine can happen anywhere at any time. Why not take as many measures as possible to prevent it?
Security guards would help do the trick. Let's bring them back.
In This article
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Forks Township Police Department
1604 Sullivan Trl, Easton, PA -
Easton Police Department
25 S 3rd St, Easton, PA -
frank
11:24 am on Sunday, September 2, 2012
Mt. Ciliberti,
Your concerns are warranted. However, im affraid that you are missing a lot of info regarding security at the Easd. For example, you said " that must be why there are NO more security at district schools," we have security at all of our school. Unfortunately, we are facing difficult times and must do things differently, if you think this was an overnight reccomendation and a quick vote by the board, your mistaken. please email me at pintabonef@eastonsd.org and I would be more than happy to meet with, and discuss our security with you.. Hope to hear from you.
Frank P
Dean A Curtis
1:11 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
children do not need to grow up thinking the world is a violent and dangerous place And that you cannot trust your neighbors
Dean A Curtis
1:33 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
I applaud the decision. Whenever we change our lives in response to terrorism we lose. Its time we raised our next generation in an atmosphere of hope, not one of fear. Violence begets violence.
High-On-Lehigh
4:00 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
http://cartoonblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/20/12860750-cartoonist-points-finger-at-nra-for-colorado-shooting?lite
Ken White
11:50 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012
Easton's public schools, like public schools the nation over, are top-heavy with administration. Sometimes it's the number of administrators and sometimes it's their salaries. In most cases, however, it's probably both.
In a just world, administrators would make less and teachers would make more. But ours is an unjust world and so the opposite holds true. At least it holds true right here this lengthy experiment known as America.
Think of it, administrators who may never stand face to face with our kids are thought to be more important than the folks who not only stand face to face with them, but who talk to them, listen to them and encourage them. You know--teach them. What, you don't agree that administrators are deemed more important than teachers? If they aren't then why are they generally paid more than teachers?
Administrators more important than teachers! Man, I'll never understand that. What a world, what a world.
cybertron flux
5:12 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
if schools are " Gun Free Zones" then we have nothing to worry about right? criminals aren't alowed to bring guns there right?
Rebecca
10:23 am on Monday, September 3, 2012
Columbine had a security guard at the time of the shooting. Yep. Mr. Dino's 'opinion' is simply, fear-mongering. To use above photo of children is exploitation of their vulnerability. Having the presence of security officers in public schools is a nice and comfy blanket of protection. And sure, I feel 'safe' knowing there is a man in uniform to protect and serve. However, I am unsure of their use. Aren't all on-site administration and teachers liable to preform the duties of an officer? Mr. Dino, do you know of their job responsibilities and summary of effectiveness? I would look it up for myself, but I'd like to give you another shot at journalistic redemption.