ACS and BCS release statements following Texas elementary school mass shooting
In reaction to the tragedy that occurred May 24 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, local school districts have released statements.
In an Asheville City Schools release, Superintendent Dr. Gene Freeman expressed grief. “Events like yesterday are not only tragic and painful but create an environment of fear within our schools and community,” he said.
Freeman said school counselors and support services will be available for ACS students and staff who wish to speak with someone. He also encourages parents to use this opportunity to discuss school safety with their children, as well as become familiar with See Something, Say Something, an anonymous reporting system used to confidentially relay safety concerns.
Opinion: I'm a Texas teacher. More guns won't make schools safer.
One day after a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, schools across the country were stepping up security, while also trying to reassure parents of safety protocols.
ACS did not respond to questions about safety and security measures on campuses throughout the district. Ashley-Michelle Thublin, executive director of communications, in response to Citizen Times' questions about child safety, said she would direct inquiries to the executive director of crisis management. There was no further response.
"We want to assure our community that safety is a top priority," the Buncombe County Schools statement said, in part. "We must emphasize that keeping our entire community safe is a team effort."
BCS said counseling teams will be made available for students and staff members as provided on a statement released by their communications department.
BCS also provided information about some of the security measures implemented on their campuses. All schools throughout the district have a multi-camera buzz-in system, ensuring that all visitors must connect with the front office via camera system prior to entry. The district’s partnership with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office also provides school resource officers as additional support for students, families and staff.
BCS encourages all parents to contact their schools for additional support needed.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville City, Buncombe County schools give statements after Uvalde
