On September 25, a student brought a loaded gun into West Clermont Middle School. Thankfully, this incident did not result in a tragedy, but it raises serious questions about whether our current school security measures are enough.

As parents and community members, we are asking West Clermont Local Schools to immediately review school entry security and formally evaluate the use of metal detectors and modern weapons detection systems at district schools.

We understand that implementation involves cost, staffing, logistics and planning. We are asking district leadership to thoroughly evaluate available options, determine what would best protect students and staff, and publicly present those findings and recommendations to the Board of Education and the community while simultaneously recommending immediate action to be taken while in wait for a more permanent solution such as clear backpacks, hand wands at the entrances, etc. 

A weapon should never make it inside a school building without prompting a serious review of what additional safeguards may be available.

Our students and staff deserve every reasonable layer of protection we can provide.