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Janesville schools to discuss shooting, security Monday

JANESVILLE — Janesville public school principals will hold short meetings with staff members this morning to discuss Friday's school shooting in Connecticut.

The purpose is to put staff members at ease about any security by reviewing school security measures, district spokesman Brett Berg said.

No new measures were to be announced, Berg said.

Principals may discuss related topics, such as how to address the tragedy if students bring it up, Berg said.

Superintendent Karen Schulte ordered the meetings. Berg said.

Schulte also is preparing a letter for parents, "reassuring them that we are doing all we can to make sure kids are safe in the buildings," Berg said.

Schulte planned to discuss this topic with senior staff at her cabinet meeting this morning.

Berg said today's meetings could help newer staff members who may not be aware of all safety plans and procedures.

The Janesville School District had plans in place to address shootings even before the Columbine High School shootings in Colorado in 1999.

Lockdown drills have been common since then, and law enforcement officers have practiced procedures for "active shooters" in school buildings.

The district also has increased attention to bullying.

Berg said the district's student services department would have people available to talk if students have difficulty dealing with Friday's events.

The district received a $250,000 federal grant in 2008 to help it review and update safety and security procedures. The grant paid for an 18-month process that included formation of a safety council of officials from public and private schools; police, fire and county agencies; and Mercy Hospital.