Concerned Parent, School Officials Share School Safety Conversation In Wake of Nashville Shooting

Screenshot from released body cam footage from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. (MNPD Facebook)

Darren Doyle, story:
A concerned local parent with multiple children in Edmonson County Schools emailed Superintendent Brian Alexander and Director of Facilities and Safety Callie Beliles yesterday with questions regarding current school safety protocols and measures.

The emails were also sent to the Edmonson Voice and all school principals, and Cassady, Beliles, and Alexander, all gave permission to share their conversations to help inform the community of the current practices and standards for Edmonson County Schools.

Marty Cassady, a Chalybeate resident, reminded the recipients that he spoke at a school board meeting in 2018 after the school shooting in Marshall County, KY, regarding the same concerns.

"At that meeting nearly 5 years ago, then-superintendent Patrick Waddell referenced 28 safety measures that were in progress of being implemented," Cassady's email stated. "In light of yet another shooting at an unguarded and unarmed elementary school this week, I am writing today to ask about the progress on those safety measures referenced a few years ago."

Cassady asked if ballistic film was present on all exterior doors of local schools, and if not, he asked why.

"I am sure budget will be one reason referenced regarding unimplemented safety measures. However, I see our school system spend many dollars on other items unrelated to enhancing student safety," he continued. "If we say that student safety is our number one priority, our budget spending should reflect that dedication."

He also asked for an update of the 28 safety measures that the former superintendent referenced.

Beliles responded with "last year we received safety funding from the Kentucky Center for Safe Schools and we were able to install a vast amount of that throughout the district, however funding did not allow for us to do all the doors. I have already reached out earlier to get a price on the remaining exterior doors to each campus."

She also added, "As to Mr. Waddell's 28 points that he would not discuss with you, I'm unsure what those points were. However, we are totally transparent as to the improvements we have made to safety over the past two years. The safety of our students and staff is our first priority."

She also included an email that was sent to school staff members across the school district earlier in the week. A portion of it stated the following:

"While we are constantly looking at new ways to improve our security, it is not only up to the administration. Each of us has a duty to put safety first. Please always keep your doors closed and locked during instruction, keep all gates closed and locked, cover your classroom windows during a lockdown, never prop an exterior door open for any reason, know where each child you are supervising is at all times. Take a few minutes, and go over drill procedures with your students frequently (especially the younger ones who are still learning what to do).  Please wear your ID badge at all times, and if you see someone without one in your building, escort them to the front office to get checked in as a visitor. Also remember, every single person in this school district can & should call for a lockdown if you witness an event prompting one. Familiarize yourself with the Emergency Operations Plan for your building, which is located in the front office."

Superintendent Alexander then offered his thoughts in his response email.

"In the summer of 2020, we started a construction project to come into compliance with Senate Bill 1.  Upon completion of this project, we were able to be in compliance with Senate Bill 1.  This construction project included:

• Camera Upgrades (which were in bad shape).  These cameras were also integrated to our dispatch and law enforcement offices for more swift response time if ever needed.
• Card entry readers for enhanced security
• Upgrades in our intercom system.
• Door repairs to several of our schools
• Push button system entry at our foyers so secretaries can buzz in our visitors.
• Call buttons were added in all classroom for emergency situations for enhanced communication for our teachers."

In addition, Alexander's email stated "Aside from the safety project we have mentioned above, we have worked to secure and put together funds to add additional ballistic film to all schools." He then described those additional areas.

"We have made great progress, and I would urge you to read the email sent by Ms. Beliles to our staff. The Office of the State Security Marshall has conducted assessments of each campus this year, and we are in full compliance. I'll be glad to meet with you individually to discuss any other concerns."

Cassady thanked both individuals for their responses and agreed to set up a time to meet in-person later. He continued with his concerns to Ms. Beliles:

"As is often the case, school security gets talked about a lot in the days following a shooting like what occurred in Marshall County and Nashville. Then within a few days, our attention turns to other projects like new football bleachers and lunchroom televisions. I assume there is a certain amount of discretionary spending, and I would request that discretionary spending be directed toward completing the ballistic film initiative in all our schools. Especially in the elementary schools, where we have the most dependent children who are least capable of defending themselves."

He also responded to Mr. Alexander:

"Please let me know how I can help get the ballistic film completed," Cassady continued. "If there is a need to meet with school board members, contacting legislative representatives or fundraising, I want to help ensure that this project gets completed. Someone with a weapon like the mentally ill woman in Nashville could be in the side door at South Edmonson in a matter of seconds. With no armed school personnel to provide resistance, teachers would be lucky to even get their classrooms locked before a shooter entered that hallway."

Ms. Beliles also encouraged Mr. Cassady to write to the Kentucky Center for Safe Schools and to local legislators for more funding. "While we can't solve all the evil of the world, we can buy time with these measures," she stated. "And time is what we need for our law enforcement to come in and act as incident commander in these situations. The Nashville shooting took place in 14 minutes. I do sleep better knowing our front areas have the safety film that they didn't, but I fully agree we need all doors equipped with this. We already had this in mind before the Nashville shooting."

She also noted that the school system sometimes receives funding that is already earmarked for specific projects, which does not permit schools to spend it in other areas.

She also included that a meeting with a contractor has been scheduled to discuss additional ballistic film on exterior areas of schools. She added that she would be glad to share that information when it is received.

Mr. Alexander noted his effort in transparency and thanked Mr. Cassady for sharing his concerns.

"We want schools where kids are safe and excelling academically.  In order to excel, they have to feel safe.  We want parents to feel safe about their children being in our care.  I assure you we were working on safety measures even before the horrific Nashville situation."

"My door is always open and I will always reply.  And your opinion is valued, I assure you," Alexander's email stated in the conclusion.

Mr. Cassady reached out to both State Senator Steve Meredith and Representative Michael Meredith via email to request funding for ballistic film for the exterior doors of all local schools.