Superintendents assess school security test

Mixed emotions were expressed by local school superintendents in up to six districts after Evening Sun reporters tested security measures throughout the county last Monday.

Following the security check, Chenango school superintendents were contacted and asked to give their assessments of how their schools fared during our subjective test.

“Am I mad? No. Am I upset? No. Am I happy? No,” said Sherburne-Earlville Schools Superintendent Gayle Hellert. “(The experiment) was addressed with teachers afterwards, and it brought issues back to the table regarding how to ensure safety.”

The intention of the assignment was not to gain entry by any means necessary, but to see how accessible the school is to the common visitor. Unadilla Valley Superintendent Rex Hurlburt said he is glad his district was successful in its security measures and he and his staff continually review safety and security.

Greene Central Schools Superintendent Gary Smith said the experiment was a wake up call and a learning experience. “We plan to incorporate what happened Monday into our table top discussions and into other security exercises,” said Smith.

Most superintendents agreed that dealing with school security is a balancing act, and there is a fine line between making the school welcoming to parents and the community, while also ensuring the safety of the students.

“We can’t guarantee everyone is 100 percent safe and secure. If we did, then it would look like a penitentiary,” said Smith.

Oxford Academy Superintendent Randy Squire said he was happy his schools were found to be among the most secure. “It was a reminder to us that we always need to be vigilant and make sure everything is getting done,” Squire said.