Supt. Scott Thompson; Retired police can help make grade schools safe

Sandy Hook, Columbine and Parkland. Names eliciting horrific and deeply troubling images. Often the next thought turns to "could this happen in my school?" School employees, police and fire departments, and the Board of Education know the answer is yes. These tragic events can occur in any school across the country, including ours in Palatine Township Elementary School District 15. And regular safety meetings with these individuals occur to ensure the school district has taken all the steps possible and reasonable to keep our children and staff safe at school.

The safety plan we have in place was developed in conjunction with our local police and fire departments, and it is recognized as a model plan that has been replicated across the nation. But our meetings always focus on improvement and making the schools even safer than they are currently.

When a school calls 911, police officers and firefighters are the first to arrive. The response time is relatively quick - just minutes. But we know that most violent acts at schools are over in less than seven minutes. Why not have one of the officers who used to respond to our 911 calls, recently removed from active service, in our offices to provide instantaneous response?

The district has had school resource officers (active police department personnel) in our schools for nearly 20 years. Sometimes in uniform, sometimes in plain clothes, they always possess the necessary safety equipment, including their firearms. They are respected and valued members of our staffs. Their personal connection with students, teachers and parents has enhanced the safety of our schools.

Retired officers in our elementary schools could provide the same kind of enhancement as our SROs. Our police departments do not have enough personnel to place an active officer in every school. Additionally, installing retired officers in our office positions will be at a fraction of the cost of an active police officer and a judicious use of tax dollars. Yet, the introduction of these retired officers is, by far, the most ejective way to increase the safety of our school communities.

Some community members have expressed concern with this concept. I believe their concern is generated from a desire to make schools positive places for our children. We share that desire and want schools to be warm, welcome and dynamic places. The presence of our SROs has not diminished the supportive culture of our junior highs-in fact, it has enhanced them! Retired police officers in our elementary school offices would have the same positive impact.

It is very unfortunate that we have to plan for these potential terrible acts in schools. However, our innocence has been lost in Sandy Hook, Columbine and Parkland, and inevitably there will be more. According to nonprofit organization Everytown for Gun Safety, a total of 65 shootings have occurred on school campuses across the United States as of Oct. 4. I feel it would be negligent not to do as much as possible to make our children safe when they are at school.

I hope the leaders of the districts where my seven grandchildren will attend school would take similar steps to keep them safe. Before I retire, I want to take action to keep children in my care as safe as possible - for their parents, grandparents and for all of us. I ask the community to join me in the dialogue and effort to install retired officers in our elementary schools - for the safety of our children.

Dr. Scott Thompson is superintendent of Palatine Township Elementary District 15.