Chesterfield School Board considers adding safety measures after Meadowbrook High School stabbing
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- In response to heightened concerns over student safety following a stabbing at Meadowbrook High School last week, the Chesterfield County School Board convened Tuesday night to discuss potential safety enhancements for its schools. During the meeting, members explored the possibility of implementing weapons detectors and updating existing security cameras across the district. Currently, Chesterfield County Public Schools lacks a weapons detection system, metal detectors and a clear bag policy. Schools in Richmond and Henrico County already have clear backpack policies in place -- with Richmond's policies applying for the school day and Henrico County's for football games -- as well as other safety measures. Hanover County has also implemented a clear bag policy for after-school games and activities at high school stadiums and gyms. For the first time, Henrico County Public Schools students are using ID cards this school year to ride the bus, access specific parts of the school and check out resources. In addition to these proposals, school leaders in Chesterfield County are also in the process of installing lockable vestibules at the front entrances of several schools to improve security. The board also shared insights from visits to neighboring localities to evaluate effective safety measures. Members also discussed finalizing vestibules in all schools, and adding more security cameras and school resource officers. Board member Ann Coker emphasized the importance of safety for students and parents alike. "As parents, we should feel our children will be safe when we put them on the bus and they go to school," Coker said. "Students should not be worried about violence in a place where they grow and learn." Steven A. Paranto, another board member, reaffirmed the district's commitment to safety. "Safety and security in our schools is number one, it always has been, and it always will be," Paranto said. The school board plans to further explore these safety options in the coming weeks and months, reviewing data and examining what measures have been successfully implemented by other districts.
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- In response to heightened concerns over student safety following a stabbing at Meadowbrook High School last week, the Chesterfield County School Board convened Tuesday night to discuss potential safety enhancements for its schools.
During the meeting, members explored the possibility of implementing weapons detectors and updating existing security cameras across the district. Currently, Chesterfield County Public Schools lacks a weapons detection system, metal detectors and a clear bag policy.
Schools in Richmond and Henrico County already have clear backpack policies in place -- with Richmond's policies applying for the school day and Henrico County's for football games -- as well as other safety measures. Hanover County has also implemented a clear bag policy for after-school games and activities at high school stadiums and gyms.
For the first time, Henrico County Public Schools students are using ID cards this school year to ride the bus, access specific parts of the school and check out resources.
In addition to these proposals, school leaders in Chesterfield County are also in the process of installing lockable vestibules at the front entrances of several schools to improve security. The board also shared insights from visits to neighboring localities to evaluate effective safety measures.
Members also discussed finalizing vestibules in all schools, and adding more security cameras and school resource officers.
Board member Ann Coker emphasized the importance of safety for students and parents alike.
"As parents, we should feel our children will be safe when we put them on the bus and they go to school," Coker said. "Students should not be worried about violence in a place where they grow and learn."
Steven A. Paranto, another board member, reaffirmed the district's commitment to safety.
"Safety and security in our schools is number one, it always has been, and it always will be," Paranto said.
The school board plans to further explore these safety options in the coming weeks and months, reviewing data and examining what measures have been successfully implemented by other districts.
