Proximity to police a factor

 

While Ironton schools have put law enforcement officers in their buildings, other schools are implementing safety measures in varying degrees.

Rock Hill schools have already implemented several measures, and Superintendent Wes Hairston says there are more options on the table for the district.

“We are looking at possibly arming staff members,” Hairston said. “We have to give this option a lot of thought if we go that route. This is only in the discussion phase.”

Hairston said some of the staff at Rock Hill has completed tactical defense training and all staff members who would be armed would have to complete the same training as law enforcement.

Rock Hill has already updated to theft-proof doors and windows, has a buzz-in system for guests, a card-swipe system for employees and all faculty and staff has been through active shooter training.

 

Dawson-Bryant

Although Dawson-Bryant Superintendent George York says a deputy patrolling the halls is not a bad idea, he doesn’t expect the district to resort to such a measure anytime soon.

“I would not be opposed to it, but I don’t think we are there yet,” York said. “We are in the process of upgrading and updating all our camera equipment to increase our safety measures but we can’t rule anything out.”

York said a patrolling deputy hasn’t been discussed but “it’s not a bad thing.” York also said he feels students are deterred somewhat from acts of violence because the school’s close proximity to the Coal Grove Police Department.

 

South Point

Being close to the police department is definitely an advantage at South Point Schools, where two law enforcement agencies are near the campuses, Superintendent Mark Christian says.

“The South Point Police Department is just two or three blocks away from the schools,” Christian said. “Plus, you can see the Ohio State Patrol Post from the high school. It’s probably not even a hundred yards away.”

As of now the school relies upon the resource officer who is shared among the districts and Christian says there has been no discussion about a patrolling deputy.

“We have new buildings and good security,” he said. “With money so tight, I don’t see us having a deputy in the school full time. I am not saying the board wouldn’t entertain the idea, but there has been no discussion about it.”

Calls made to the superintendents at Chesapeake, Fairland and Symmes Valley school districts were not returned by press time.