Local School Officials speak on Student Safety, following Nashville school shooting

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – According to Kristin M. Hall and Travis Loller of the Associated Press, “A 17-year-old shooter killed himself after fatally wounding a female student in a shooting at a Nashville high school on Wednesday, police said.”

The question on many peoples minds across the country is the importance of preparedness in preventing future acts of violence. Schools are focusing their efforts to help staff, students, and families feel secure at their school.

Notre Dame Regional High School is one of many schools building plans, and improving security to help make students and staff feel safe. School Resource Officer Casey Dodd touches on the critical role of preparation and security in keeping students safe.

“I’m here. As you come into the front doors of Notre Dame High School, I’m usually the first person you’re going to meet and greet,” Dodd says. “We’ve recently been awarded federal grants to update a lot of our security measures. This includes installing new cameras in areas we previously lacked coverage and enhancing other security features that are essential to maintaining a safe environment.”

Dodd also touches on the importance of building relationships with students to help them feel safer.

“I’ve gotten a good rapport with these kids. I get up and walk throughout the day, meet with them, talk with them, and just say hi. I want them to know that I’m here both inside and outside the building.” Dodd says.

While these measures provide a sense of security to some students, the reality of school shootings remains a concern. Dodd says he hopes the violence comes to an end.

“Unfortunately, this is too much of a common occurrence. We’d like to see an end to it, but until then, we’ve got to do everything we can to keep the kids safe for our next generation.”

As schools like Notre Dame Regional High School work to improve safety protocols, preparedness is important to protecting students and staff. Educators and security officers continue to work together to hope for an end to the violence.