12/19/12 - Outrage and concern for the safety of students following the deaths of 20 elementary school children in Newtown, Connecticut has spread across the country, prompting local school officials to re-examine safety, security and crisis procedures. In addition, some school administrators like Howell Superintendent Ron Wilson are asking that any potential review of procedures also include an assessment of the adequacy of mental health services being provided to local students. Wilson pointed out to WHMI that the recent string of school shootings has one thing in common â a degree of mental illness in the shooters â and that restoring adequate mental health funding might allow schools to better detect students in need of mental help. The Sandy Hook killings coincided with news that the Michigan legislature had sent Governor Snyder legislation allowing people with concealed weapon permits to carry weapons inside Michigan schools and other public places. Although Wilson was pleased the Governor rejected the legislation, he isnât attributing the tragedy as the sole reason for the veto and didnât think the bill was a good idea in the first place. Wilson says the Howell district will continue upgrading campus security, and he is also pushing for the Board of Education to adopt the installation of an electronic system that would allow staff to control entry into the school after a certain time. (AV/JM)
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