May 26, 2022 3:50 a.m.
Roseburg Public Schools shared a message with families and students, following Tuesday’s school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Superintendent Jared Cordon said “My thoughts and prayers are with the community of Uvalde, Texas, following yesterday’s devastating act of violence. I am heartbroken for every child, parent, and school staff member affected by this latest tragedy at one of our country’s schools. And my heart goes out to every person who has ever experienced a similar horror, including those within our own community”.
Cordon said district staff is available to support families during this difficult time. He said schools offer many supports, including counselors, to help process feelings of grief or anxiety that may arise when tragedies occur.
Cordon said every time this happens in the country, residents talk about how it could have happened, why it happened, and how future tragedies can be prevented. Cordon said, “One thing is extremely clear in my mind: Every child and every school employee deserves to learn and work in a school that is safe. Safety and security within our schools should be considered a fundamental human right”.
Cordon’s message said the safety of students, staff and visitors is the district’s top priority every day. He said RPS has worked over the years to address safety and security needs at its schools. Cordon said emergency operations plans have been created, security cameras have been installed and a safety coordinator has been hired and is responsible for analyzing and implementing safety plans. Cordon said in addition, the district has built a strong relationship with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Roseburg Police Department and has contracted for school resource officer services to help support a safe school environment.
Cordon said there are other important facility updates that are needed. That includes controlled access points on campuses, additional perimeter fencing and keyless entry that can be used to quickly lock down buildings and classrooms during an emergency. Cordon said he is fully committed to completing the most critical safety and security projects needed to help prevent tragedies from occurring in the district’s schools.
A message about guidelines for talking with children about violence is linked with this story at www.541radio.com
Talking to Children about Violence