MFISD: Security constantly reviewed

December 17, 2012, 10:00 pm by Adam Troxtell

Second graders at Marble Falls Elementary enjoy an afternoon on the playground at recess under the watchful eye of their teachers Monday afternoon.

The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., has shocked many parents and educators and caused some to question the security of schools across the nation.

Assistant Superintendent of Operations at Marble Falls ISD Allen Roberts said Monday that local schools have a set of procedures in place that are tested and reviewed throughout the year in the event a catastrophe should occur at any of the campuses.

"For the last several years, Marble Falls ISD has taken measures to prevent anything like this from happening,” he said. "I want all community members and parents to feel safe dropping their children off on campus. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with that community in Connecticut after this unexplainable tragedy.”

The procedures in place cover various disaster scenarios, including an intruder on campus, Roberts said. They cover situations where a lockdown is necessary to maintain order and security and establish a chain of command for communication.

"We’ve partnered with Edwards Risk Management and we do have an action plan in place,” Roberts said. "We go through drills and scenarios to help us. Each campus has gone through a minimum of nine security audits this year, and the principals get a report on those security checks. It covers everything from an unfriendly dog on campus to a major catastrophe.”

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.