At the recent school board meeting on February 7 the hot topic was the new precautions of safety to be taken in the Baldwin school district.  After the recent school shooting, schools all across the nation have strengthened their security measures within their schools.  Baldwin is now under the debate of exactly just what measures to take.One proposal was to have an armed teacher in the building.Teacher at Baldwin High School Jason Crowder is concerned with armed teachers.“Bad idea! I think educators are there to educate and not carry firearms,” Crowder said.

Another was to bring back an SRO officer that was cut a few years ago due to budget cuts.

Principal at Baldwin High School Rob Mckim believes an SRO will have a positive affect at BHS.

“I think it would be good,” said McKim.  “I have been involved in several different schools where the program is present and the relationships formed between an SRO and students are beneficial.”

Crowder also can see the benefits of having an SRO.

“An SRO is a good idea because they are also a trained first responder,”  teacher Jason Crowder said.

A new plan is still being developed, at the next board meeting there will be more to offer.

“We are currently evaluating our emergency operation plan and making changes where they need to be,” McKim said.

School board member Chad Christie explains what took place during the meeting.

“After the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook elementary, all the principals in our district have reviewed, discussed and conduct drills in all buildings,” Christie said. “The school board continues to look at many options to keep usd 348 a safe place for students to learn.”

The discussion will continue at the next board meeting on Monday February 18th.