School security

Caring not about predictable comments from teacher union leadership, why have not the billions and billions of dollars pumped into public education provided for adequate school security?

It is criminal that public K-12 schools are not fully protected, with tight perimeters, limited and fully secured entry points with metal detectors, and armed law enforcement personnel who continuously patrol each campus.

Columbine. Sandy Hook. And most recently Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.  Reasonable physical security could have prevented or significantly mitigated the tragedies.

The teacher union leaders shout long and loud for increased budgets for salaries and pensions, and now shout out for "social justice" initiatives. But nowhere in the National Education Association (NEA) NEAToday on-line report of the 2017 NEA Representative Assembly was there any mention of school security.  Indeed, the report stated, "NEA Executive Director John Stocks celebrated the student advocacy, member solidarity, and recent victories by NEA state affiliates."  The usual union leadership tripe.

Yet, from my time employed at a school site, I am confident the teachers and staff were absolutely concerned about safety for their students, as well as themselves.  Too bad the union leaders do not display that concern, as they focus on political matters and their own large salaries, benefits, and pensions.

It is not only the union leaders that must be held accountable.  State legislators who approve funding, school boards that approve budgets, and district administrators who manage are equally if not more at fault.  They are responsible for establishing and maintaining the physical environments in which the education is to occur.

Looking into the proverbial crystal ball, do not be surprised if all of the aforementioned begin a resounding chorus demanding more money for public education to increase security.  Would they care to reallocate already provided resources to security?  Highly doubtful.  Sadly, if it plays out like California's history, more funds might be approved, but then used for teacher pay and benefits.

At the end of the day, we know who is to fault for the lack of adequate physical security in our K-12 schools.