CPS Board hears security update, plans for future
John White, the security director for Columbia Public Schools, presented the annual safety and security update to members of the Board of Education Monday evening.
The presentation outlined both past and planned measures to ensure the safety of the nearly 19,000 students enrolled in CPS, as well as staff.
This comes after President Donald Trump recently proposed allowing trained teachers to carry firearms in classrooms to enhance school security. The idea has sparked a national conversation on what is best for the safety of students and staff.
The agenda for Monday’s meeting includes a document that outlines the major points of the security update.
One item of the update covers police officer access to school buildings. Currently officers that are members of the Community Outreach Unit have “fobs,” or electronic keys, to school buildings, but the board hopes to expand that to all Columbia police officers.
Other aspects of the safety update include security footage upgrades, consulting with an architect on entryways of CPS buildings and more.
Last week, the Iberia School District heard from parents about arming classroom leaders.
On April 3, Columbia citizens will have an opportunity to vote on a $30 million bond issue presented by CPS. If approved, $750,000 will be allocated toward improving security measures across CPS schools. The bond would also fund the construction of a new middle school.
