Schools Making Safety Changes

Friday was the last day of school for most students in Mid-Missouri before the winter break and some students may come back from break to a few new security policies.The attack at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut has sparked rumors at local schools about a potential attack. Schools in Jefferson City, Columbia, and Sedalia have all dealt with perceived threats that prompted officials to add security on campus. But even schools without any rumors of an attack have taken action. Police have stepped up patrols and began random walk-thrus in Boonville Public Cchools in Cooper County. “It’s not only big communities any more, it’s smaller communities and it can happen anywhere,” said Lt. Randall Ayers. More police were also at Columbia high schools Friday, after students spread rumors about a shooting attack on the last day of school. Dr. Chris Belcher, superintendent from Columbia Public Schools, said they would like to go back to normal routine, but if school officials continue to hear rumors about attacks, they have no choice but to take safety precautions. In Boonville, police have already sent extra officers to get training on how to deal with an active shooter on campus. Lt. Ayers said they expect to make a presentation to their community mid-January.