Gov. Scott Urges Schools To Review Safety Procedures
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami) – In the wake of last Friday's school shooting in Connecticut, Gov. Rick Scott call on all school leaders in the state to review and enhance their safety and emergency plans.
Scott also encouraged district officials to talk with families the current safety procedures and any additional actions their schools are taking to enhance safety and protection for their students.
"To better protect Florida's children, I'm asking Florida school districts to review their emergency procedures and work alongside the Dept. of Education, FDLE and local law enforcement to review and enhance on-campus emergency plans to ensure the safety and well-being of our students," said Scott in a recent statement.
In 2001, the Florida Legislature passed the Safe Passage Act which requires every district to have a clearly directed safety and security program.
Each year, districts must assess and update their emergency plans using a comprehensive assessment tool.
In 2003, the Florida Department of Education adopted a statewide policy detailing school preparation and response to emergencies and threats of violence.
"School should be a sanctuary for learning and creativity where students, teachers and parents feel safe – and a review of these procedures will enhance safety for Florida schools," said Scott.
Safety objectives schools are required to meet include limiting school entry points, checking daily for suspicious persons on school grounds, having ways to alert parents should a situation arise and stepping up police patrols of the school's grounds during peak times of traffic and activity.
