California school board and administrators discuss safety

School safety was among the topics discussed by the California R-I School Board and administrators at the regular board meeting Wednesday, Dec. 19, in the library-media room. The discussion took place in light of the recent event at a Connecticut school. California administrators are, as always, attempting to make the schools as safe a place as possible for the students and the staff.

The administrators discussed all three school facilities, apprising the board members of plans already in place for each, steps which could be taken if necessary and preparation such as intruder training. Because each of the school facilities is configured differently, security and safety issues are addressed on a building by building basis.

The Moniteau County Sheriff's Department and California Police Department are already on board with security issues at the school and are seeking additional training to help officers "avoid and deal with any issues" which may come up at the schools.

The consensus of the board was approval of the district's efforts to ensure safety and security and to consider more training to prepare for exceptional situations. Additional discussions are to be held on the issue of security with changes in policy likely where a review considers any proposed changes necessary.