Districts Solicit Security Concerns after Newtown Tragedy

President Obama wipes his eyes during a news conference Friday. Photo credit Lawrence Jackson/White House

School districts across Middle Tennessee say they welcome input about their safety procedures following Friday’s mass shooting in Connecticut.

In Clarksville, parents are being encouraged to talk to principals about their concerns. Metro Schools wants students to tell the staff about potential security lapses.

Natalie Mayes is a kindergarten teacher at Nashville’s Cole Elementary and says the Newtown tragedy exposes the relatively minimal security in lower grades.

“We don’t have security guards. We don’t have metal detectors or anything like that. We don’t see a need for them. But it’s just that easy for someone to get in if they want to.”

Metro Schools officials say resource officers from the police department work in middle and high schools, though security cameras are used more broadly.

A statement from Williamson County schools reminds visitors to check in and check out at offices and emphasizes that doors should never be propped open.

However, the shooter in Newtown did encounter a locked door. He reportedly smashed or shot his way inside.