Dr. Robert Fraser outlines measures the Council Rock School District is taking to ensure the safety of its students
The Times
The following message from Council Rock School District’s Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Robert Fraser:
Dear CRSD Parents, Staff, and Community –
As we process yesterday’s news from Florida, I wanted to extend my deepest and most profound sympathy to the entire Broward County community. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School mass shooting is an unthinkable act of violence that impacts us all in a multitude of ways. It reminds us how fragile life is and makes us acutely aware of the blessings that surround us.
Student safety is one of our most important responsibilities, and Council Rock School District is committed to ensuring we fulfill this responsibility to the best of our ability. We have a full time Districtwide Safety Manager, Mr. Bill Reick, who oversees our site based and comprehensive safety plans, all of which are updated every September. Under Mr. Reick’s leadership, we practice a full array of safety drills that speak to an active shooter incident. Specifically, in the course of a school year, each one of our buildings practice two (2) lock down drills, two (2) safe shelter drills, and two (2) site evacuation drills.
Our safety plans and crisis drills are developed and executed in partnership with a team of local and County level officials representing police, fire, and emergency management services. We also have a districtwide team of administrators, counselors, social workers, nurses, and school psychologists who are prepared to be on site for as long as necessary after a traumatic event to offer organizational and social emotional support. Other daily safety measures include:
· Approximately 400 security cameras districtwide (internal and external)
· Visitor Identification systems at all buildings
· A full time School Resource Officer at each of our high schools
· Entry key fob system in place for all staff
· All school exterior doors locked once school day begins
· Fifteen security personnel on staff, all former police officers
· Local police have aerial schematic of our buildings, access to our security cameras during crisis, and copies of all of our safety plans; approved annually by them
In addition to the above preparedness measures, we also work proactively to identify and address student behavior that show signs for concern. Our Pupil Services personnel (guidance counselors, social workers, nurses, school psychologists, CARES coordinators, and instructional support teachers) all identify and assist students who display social emotional risk factors. The district also partners with local mental health agencies to proactively identify and assist students in crisis.
I know that today and tomorrow are difficult days for our parents and school staff. I am fully aware of the fears and concerns that arise after a tragedy like that which occurred yesterday. We have wonderful professionals on staff in our district who are trained to assist with post crisis processing. Please reach out to your Principal if you or a student you know requires assistance. Your Principal will put you in touch with one of our specialists. Also, please partner with us by reaching out to me or any CRSD administrator if you see or hear of behavior that indicates an individual may do harm to others in our school community.
I know that the thoughts and prayers of our entire region go out to yesterday’s victims and their families. Council Rock School District will continue to keep Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the community that surrounds them in our hearts as they help each other heal in the days and months to come.
Sincerely –
Robert Fraser, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
