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Parents express concerned about security as GRPS students set to return Monday

GRPS
/
grps.org

The GRPS director of school security says returning students will see many safety upgrades

“Safety concerns can no longer be ignored.” (Smith)

Instead of reacting to incidents Sarah Sak Smith and Seth Miller want policies in the Grand Rapids Public Schools that prevent violence.

“We can no longer sit around and wait for these things to happen.” (Smith)

“If our students teachers and staff don't feel secure it undermines the very foundation of education. (Miller)

“Continue to train our staff uh work with local law enforcement.” (Johnson)

Larry Johnson is the GRPS director of school security, he says returning students will see many safety upgrades.

“That includes our card access upgrades and placement of metal detectors.”

Johnson says fewer weapons are getting into buildings and there were no significant summer school incidents, but in May a 13-year-old was accidently shot in the face by another boy at a park near Alger Middle School. Lisa Lint-Vander Zouwen calls it a security failure that makes her afraid

“I can tell you I don’t feel safe sending my kids back to school.” (Lisa)

“Our children deserve better our teachers and staff deserve better.” (Miller)

“We have spent the summer going through every page of our crisis manual making sure we are following best practices.” (Johnson)

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