Schools across the country are in the spotlight as security has proven to be vulnerable in most districts. While McKinney ISD has taken some steps to ensure that it is harder for outsiders to enter the premises, time and time again, we have witnessed that the most dangerous scenario at a school comes from the actions of students themselves. Local, state and national debate continues on the best ways to prevent the violence and tragedy we are experiencing, yet when it touches our lives personally debate needs to be replaced with action. We can not wait any longer.
As a parent of a McKinney ISD student, I request that we take immediate action. The budget for the 2018-2019 school year is set to be discussed on June 26th. It should not be approved without funding to increase our awareness of what is entering our schools. I understand that metal detectors alone are not the solution, however, no solution is comprehensive without metal detectors and we should require these to be included in the budget immediately for the high schools with consideration for lower level schools as well. We can not be the city that says "Oh it's too expensive" or "Oh it's too much of a hassle." We need to be leaders in this movement.
The recent tragedy at McKinney North has left many asking "How did he get the gun into the school?" The only answer to this is that he walked in with it. There was zero deterrence. Parents and students alike are, understandably, scared. We must consider how we can improve in multiple areas in our schools:
Mental Health Counseling
School Resource Officer Presence
Weapons Prevention
I understand that we may not have the full plan in place today, but we must approve the budget changes necessary to accommodate having a plan in place for the coming school year.
You can also visit our website to see contact info for all of the board members of the MISD School Board: www.McKinneyCares.com
