Great Falls Public Schools outlines crisis management procedures after Michigan shooting
On Tuesday, a school shooting took place at Oxford High School in Michigan. A sophomore student killed and injured multiple people on Tuesday, and through safety protocols in placed they were able to apprehend him in about five minutes after the incident began. He is currently in custody and being held without bond, according to a report from USA TODAY.
Considering the incident in Michigan, Tom Moore, Great Falls Public Schools superintendent, said there are “extensive protocols in places. There are cameras, physical barriers, practicing drills, resources officers” and more.
During an interview with Jamie McGraw, C.M. Russell High School principal, and School Resource Officer, Jesse Rosteck, outlined the safety and preventative measures in place.
While the exact procedures cannot be fully revealed due to safety reasons, McGraw said the school wanted to reassure the public that thorough procedures are in place in the case of an emergency.
“We also really stress if you see something, say something to both our kids and our staff,” McGraw said. She said the school emphasizes building relationships so that students have a safe person to talk to and are better able to assist students, and there are channels and programs in place to help students to prioritize their mental health.
McGraw said CMR has partnerships with Alluvion and CSCT (Comprehensive School and Community Treatment) where services can be provided in the school. Rosteck makes it a point to get to know the students to be able to build a better relationship with them and be able to serve them better. There are currently four resources officers with the GFPS system monitoring elementary, middle, and high schools.
As Moore and McGraw explained, there are extensive protocols in place for different types of emergencies and natural disasters and work with the local police and fire department to be sure the plan in place is efficient, while being mindful to update the plan as needed.
Emergency drills, as required by the state of Montana, are done at least eight times a year, and McGraw said a drill is conducted approximately every month.
“Practice, practice, practice, is the only way to be prepared and know our plans work,” McGraw said.
If you are in need of help or need to talk to someone contact 911, a counselor, or the Crisis Hotline (text HOME to 741741). Alisha Jordan is the education reporter for the Great Falls Tribune. She can be reached at ajordan1@greatfallstribune.com.
This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Great Falls Public Schools outlines safety procedures in wake of Michigan school shooting
