Williamsburg-area schools pinpointing strengths, weaknesses in security protocols
James City County and Williamsburg officials met with school leaders Thursday in a closed session to discuss results of a “threat of vulnerability” assessment for the schools.
The assessment, which has not been made public, had been scheduled to take place during the 2019-2020 school year but was postponed due to COVID-19, said Cheryl Hinshelwood, the community engagement coordinator for WJCC Public Schools. It was initiated “in the interest of continuous improvement of our safety and security program” and is similar to what other school systems have done, she said.
“While WJCC Schools continuously improves protocols for the safety and security of our staff, students and visitors, this is the first external assessment that has been completed,” Hinshelwood said.
The assessment, performed at a cost of $79,852, reviewed WJCC’s policies and procedures, and evaluators performed physical assessments of each facility to pinpoint strengths and weaknesses.
The report was discussed in closed session because it addresses school security and includes findings of a sensitive nature, Hinshelwood said. School officials have not said what, if anything, they plan to make public.
“It is not customary for organizations in any industry to announce possible vulnerabilities in their safety or security protocols,” Hinshelwood said.
Abbey Crank, abbey.crank@virginiamedia.com
