The issue of school shootings has plagued the United States for years, and it has become a prominent concern in society. These events not only result in devastating loss of life, but also leave lasting effects on communities, families, and the educational system as a whole.
As we move into 2025, the situation shows no signs of improving. The nationally recognized K-12 school shooting database indicates that there were 322 shooting incidents across the country in 2024.
After the swatting event that happened this past October, students in the Millard District can understand the fear of shootings. When the Code Red was happening, many people were fearful for themselves, their friends, and their siblings who were also in the building. Even afterward knowing that it was a hoax, some students were still rattled days after.
These swatting events have continued in surrounding schools, with Gretna Middle and High Schools having similar lockout situations.
When asked about what she thinks of the safety procedures, junior Adalyn Jenson said, “I feel like they’re very predictable. Every school shooter has been through school most likely, and they know what drills we have in place, so I don’t feel like there would be any true help from them.”
Procedures such as lockdowns may not be effective if potential shooters are familiar with the protocols. One safety measure that provides some comfort to some students is the silent mobile panic alarm, which alerts the police immediately without needing a phone call, reducing response times in an emergency.
Building structure is another ever changing measure to improve security.
“Millard has been evaluating the safety and security of our buildings for many years,” assistant principal Michaela Wragge said.
“Millard South did receive the updated entrance, which requires anyone coming into the building during the school day to check-in. Millard South only allows students and visitors to come through the main entrance during the day.”
Students used to be able to enter through the West entrance, but Millard declared it an unsafe entrance. This rule changed so that with only one entrance there would be more security to prevent unwanted people from entering the school. If the danger was outside, then this strategy works well but the secured entrance does not address if the shooter is a student who enters the building more freely.
The Millard district will be seeking a bond issue in February with safety and security as a top priority. Seventy-seven million dollars of the proposed bond would ensure that each school building has a secure entry vestibule consistent with district standards. Currently, 14 of the district’s 35 buildings have a secure entry vestibule that meet district standards. This bond would add that type of entrance to the remaining 21 buildings. In addition to the secure entry vestibule, the bond would allocate funding for other security projects such as ballistic window film, upgrades of security cameras, upgrades to interior and exterior door security, replacement of fire alarms, upgrades of building intercoms, and continued internal facility security renovations.
