Schools

Renton School District, Police, Mayor Tackle School Safety Issues

The mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary spurred discussion across the nation about gun violence. Renton officials will meet this month to review school safety and security measures.

As reported by Patch late last year, the Renton School District is moving forward with discussions regarding safety procedures at Renton's elementary, middle and high school campuses.

District Communications Director, Randy Matheson, sent this message Tuesday morning: 

Renton School District is reviewing school safety and security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Interim Superintendent Vera Risdon, along with other district staff, will meet this week with Renton Mayor Denis Law and his police chief to discuss ways that both organizations can continue to work to keep schools safe.

Find out what's happening in Rentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The working relationship between the district and the city’s police department is strong and has been successful in keeping school campuses safe. The current meeting is set to review and update plans for how to respond should an emergency occur. Additional meetings between the district and the police department are planned. 

The meeting will give officials a chance to re-visit and re-evaluate the emergency procedures and safety plan at Renton’s schools.

Find out what's happening in Rentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the meantime, the current plan — three assigned School Resource Officers — will remain the same, said School District Spokesperson Randy Matheson.

The School Resource Officers are on campus at certain intervals during the day and whenever extra help is needed. They are commissioned Renton Police Officers and carry the same weapons and equipment as any officer in the Department.

”We have a great working relationship with the Renton Police Department,” Matheson said following an initial interview about the safety meetings. “They assist us with emergency and non-emergency situations, such as traffic control.”

Are the current safety measures enough? If not, what safety measures would make you feel safer about sending your children to school?


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