Local officials press school security changes

Life in a post-Newtown massacre world began to show itself around local schools last week, with extra security measures already evident, and talks between officials begun that could lead to more substantive changes.

“I am encouraged with the response,” Terrebonne Parish schools chief Philip Martin said as the system’s students and teachers concluded classes in anticipation of the Christmas break. Martin had met with Parish President Michel Claudet, Sheriff Jerry Larpenter and Houma Police Chief Todd Duplantis for initial discussions on new security approaches. “Everyone was more than cooperative and I think we have done a great deal to calm concerns of parents.”

At Boudreaux Canal Elementary School, where a parent had spoken of entering unchallenged, classrooms are now locked.

At campuses throughout the parish police cars within city limits and sheriff’s office patrol cars were visible.

“We are increasing our patrols in our local schools,” said Houma Police spokesman Dana Coleman. “Even once the commotion over the Connecticut shooting diminishes we are going to continue stopping at schools, walking through them, and talking with teachers and students.”

Resource officers are routinely posted at Ellender and Terrebonne high schools as we’ll as at junior highs in the city.

Coleman said there will be a presence now in elementary schools too. Parents advised of the plans, he said, have been eager to encourage the changes.

“They are very receptive to law enforcement being in the schools,” Coleman said.

In St. Mary and Lafourche parishes, officials have been reviewing their security plans. So far no new policies or practices have emerged, but officials made clear in interviews last week that they are open to any changes in security procedures that will make students safer and parents more confident that they are.

Terrebonne officials got a chance to try out some of their new approaches Thursday, when a woman made what were perceived as threatening remarks concerning two office-holders, as well as children in schools.

At press time she was still being sought.

But police officers and deputies responded to local schools to create a beefed up presence.

“We have a meeting scheduled after the break to sit down and meet with law enforcement again, as well as security experts,” Martin said.

“They will suggest how we can add different layers of security. Some of it can be as simple as locking all the classroom doors. We envision a district-wide overhaul, and are reassessing. This event in Connecticut has served notice that we need to review.”