NE KS schools talk safety in light of Georgia school shooting

TOPEKA (KSNT) - In a report from the Washington Post, the U.S. has seen 416 school shootings since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. More than 382,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since then.

With these alarming numbers growing year after year, the Silver Lake School District is making sure lockdown drills are not taken lightly.

"We conduct drills multiple times a year at different levels of drill," Silver Lake Superintendent Brad Womack said. "And then, again, that's when our students and staff are reminded and practice the protocols."

Along with these drills, the district has also included a multi-year approach to enhance safety throughout all schools. This includes updated glass, buzzers and cameras at entrances and additional locking mechanisms on classroom doors. Also, a handy emergency button at the disposal of every staff member.

"All of our staff and I right now included wearing a badge where we can push a button that will allow us to not only alert our local administration and response teams but also law enforcement immediately," Womack said.

"It's sad that it becomes so common," Jefferson West USD 340 Superintendent Brad Neuenswander said. "But we want parents, staff, community, kids to feel safe when they come here, and that is our number one priority."

At USD 340, they have two school resource officers. One of which is also a "recognized national trainer" on what to do in the event of intruders. Beginning Oct. 1, he will become the teacher for the district.

"He will train every teacher what to do, not only if you're in the commons, if you're in specific classrooms," Neuenswander said. You want to be as prepared as you can."

As for the Silver Lake School District, they have one resource officer that is provided by the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office and is shared with Rossville.

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