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School security measures were needed, but healthy learning atmosphere is a must

It is a given that a child’s learning environment can influence how effective any lesson plan can be. No surprise, then, that parents of children in District 9-R had mixed reactions to the increased security measures they encountered on the first day of school.

The changes were most visible at Durango’s three elementary schools, where parents accustomed to freely escorting their youngsters into new classrooms instead encountered what some described as “chaos” before their children were gathered and escorted inside by teachers, a routine that was practiced last school year.

Everyone entered through doors now equipped with security locks, buzzers and cameras.

Initial parent reactions varied, because some missed the information sent from the district describing the changes prior to the start of school. Still, many were dismayed by what they viewed as a learning atmosphere changed from one of welcome and wonder to something more sterile, with a sinister undertone.

“We hope parents will understand that their child’s safety is well worth the small inconvenience,” said Superintendent Dan Snowberger. No doubt many parents agree with him. But his position on the subject is unenviable.

Critics of the new measures, and of the public funds spent on them, point out that the likelihood of a serious incident occurring at school is miniscule. The schools have created an atmosphere of fear, they contend, not conducive to learning.

Of course, in the wake of Sandy Hook and Columbine, Snowberger and his staff are not in a position to trust in luck and long odds.

Nor can the district prepare for some types of security threats while remaining vulnerable to others. How many critics of the new measures will volunteer to sit at Snowberger’s desk the day after a serious, albeit unlikely, incident at a local school?

Yet it needs to be remembered that these are schools, not airports or private manufacturing facilities where security has become a highly visible factor in our lives.

While security is necessary, we hope the district can put an equal amount of effort into balancing it with ideas and measures that preserve a nurturing – and optimistic – learning atmosphere.



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