Perry County School Board discusses future security measures

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – Parents are looking for reassurance after terroristic threats were made against Perryville High School in January.

A special school board meeting Thursday night answered questions as to how the situation was handled.

“Finding out that they were not searched, they were not questioned, these kids were not talked to, it’s very concerning cause with a threat of a bomb, one of these kids could have had it in a backpack and that would put everybody in harm’s way,” said Tiana Christiansen, a Perry County District #32 parent.

The incident left parents worried and frustrated with the way the events unfolded.

School board President Nancy Voelker gave an introduction to what would be discussed at the meeting, then Dr. Fara Jones discussed the timeline of events.

“Call one was received by the Perryville Police Department, but the threat does not meet the threshold to be considered credible at this time.”

One thing was made clear and agreed by all that the need for more school resource officers was at the top of the list.

“I also echo Miss Voelker, that Miss Teresa needs more help, not just another point person but probably about three or four of her around the campus,” said Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus.

Discussion centered on getting more school resource officers on campus, installing a new visitor system, and making it possible for parents to receive notifications with the push of a button.

Everyone agreed that there are always things that can be done to improve school safety.

Related stories:

Perryville District #32 School Board members discuss security threat

Perryville superintendent reviews district’s action to recent school threat

Perryville high, middle school students, staff return to class after threat prompts evacuation