<p><strong>(Terre Haute) Tribune-Star</strong></p>
<p>Fear, controversy and heated rhetoric engulfed the topic of school safety in the wake of two of the deadliest mass shootings in American history the past year. Fortunately, the furor has given way to rational discussion of practical measures to make schools safer when they re-open after summer break.</p>
<p>While some topics seem untouchable, there is much that can be done to mitigate the risks associated with schools. And a national study released this week shows that action is warranted.</p>
<p>A Phi Delta Kappa International poll of people’s attitudes toward public education shows that one-third of parents fear for their child’s safety in public schools. What’s more, the study indicates there is broad support for using such security measures such as armed police, mental health screenings and metal detectors in schools.</p>
<p>The study produced a number of interesting and enlightening results that should help direct state and school officials to serve the wants and needs of the public as it relates to school safety.</p>
<p>The Tribune-Star noted that two-thirds of public school parents, including more than 80 percent of black and Hispanic parents, would prefer that their child’s teacher not carry a gun.</p>
<p>In most parts of Indiana, the consensus seems to be that there are better and more productive ways to address school safety than arming teachers.</p>
<p>That’s certainly been the case in Vigo County. As former Vigo schools superintendent and current director of safety and security Danny Tanoos said, the district has been moving in the right direction for 15 years by tightening security in and around its schools.</p>
<p>There is now at least one armed school protection officer in each Vigo school. There are more in larger schools. In all, there are 35 officers on duty around the county each day and a pool of about 60 to draw from, Tanoos said.</p>
<p>Facility changes to improve security have also been made, as well as better use of surveillance cameras.</p>
<p>To address the mental health issue, the district has added 16 counselors trained to identify students with emotional difficulties.</p>
<p>More is planned. There is currently a walk-through metal detector at the administration building that can be taken to other locations. The school also has access to a handheld metal detector. But the district has applied to the state for 45 handheld detectors a part of a statewide program.</p>
<p>The possibility of handheld metal detectors is popular around the state. Gov. Eric Holcomb posted to Twitter that 81 percent of school districts have requested 2,566 handheld metal detectors from the program so far.</p>
<p>Security systems and strategies may never be fool-proof, but they certainly reduce the risk of attacks. It’s apparent from the study results that parents are concerned enough about student safety that smart security measures are worth the investment.</p>
