MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — There are seven candidates on the ballot for Miami-Dade School Board District 1, which has long been filled by soon to be former board member Steve Gallon.
School security is high on the list of priorities for most people.
Pastor and retired teacher Joy Jackson says a lot has already been done to protect our schools.
“We do have those entities in place,” she said. “Doors locked, safety rooms and police officers and security monitors to ensure safety.”
Catholic school teacher Wrendly Mesidor thinks other districts are on the right track by requiring clear backpacks and utilizing metal detectors.
“I would advocate that we have similar policies as well, where we have vetted people and security at every standpoint,” Mesidor said.
Former police chief James Wright and former Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro both said it’s not just about reaction, but also prevention.
“We need to also address bullying issues, which sometimes arise to the level of grievances, and then violence occurs,” said Wright.
Added Ighodaro: “We have to make sure our teachers are trained to identify trauma, and when we have school counselors and mental health practitioners, we have to make sure they are funded properly to address those concerns.”
Retired principal Katrina Wilson said schools are safer than they have ever been and believes knowledge is the key.
“The more people know, the better they behave. The more you give them information, you give them the shield to protect themselves,” she said.
For Florida Memorial University Board Chair Bernard Jennings, hiring quality staff has to be a priority.
“Make sure we have enough security personnel that are paid well so they’ll get to work on time be interested in the job and not looking for another job while they are at work,” said Jennings.
Teacher Linda Cothiere believes safety and learning go hand in hand.
“You can’t learn in a place if you don’t feel safe, so therefore securing the buildings is very important to me because I want my students to feel safe,” she said.
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