School officials look at security in wake of student caught with gun

by Leanne Tokars (ltokars@wsbt.com)

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In a press conference on Tuesday March 11, 2008, Supt. Robert Zimmerman said the South Bend School Corporation is looking into the possibility of random security screenings and metal detectors

In a press conference on Tuesday March 11, 2008, Supt. Robert Zimmerman said the South Bend School Corporation is looking into the possibility of random security screenings and metal detectors. (WSBT photo)

By WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND — School officials in South Bend are looking at new security measures after a second student brought a gun to Washington High School.

Police arrested 18-year-old Willie Johnson Monday after another student told a teacher that Johnson had a gun.

"Bringing a gun to school — that's a serious matter,” said parent Cedric Acker.

And it marks the second such incident this year for Washington High School. Supt. Robert Zimmerman says they're now looking to make changes. Options include random security screenings and metal detectors.

"Obviously we have to provide safe schools and we've got to do what we need to do to do that,” Zimmerman said in a press conference Tuesday. “But at the same time we don't want to overreact to the situation, and want to step back and look at the situation and what’s reasonable.”

To see Zimmerman's entire press conference, click on the link in the Related Content box.

But are metal detectors the answer? Some say yes.

“I think eventually all schools will have them,” said another parent. “Yeah, I'd feel safer."

But not every agrees.

“Sometimes there is a false sense of security with metal detectors,” said school board member Marcia Hummel.

Instead, Hummel points to the students themselves.

In both cases, the students involved were transfer students from other districts. She wants more research done into their backgrounds before they start classes.

"We do that with our employees, and I think we need to start doing it with kids,” she said. “We have to ensure safety. If kids are going to learn, we have to ensure safety first."

And that's what parents want to hear.

“I think that something needs to be done,” Acker said. “Because it’s going to happen again and we may not be as lucky next time. You hear about it on the news every day."

It's not known yet if either student had any problems before they came to Washington. But Zimmerman did say that they don't allow kids into this district who have been expelled from other districts.

Police do not yet know why the student brought the gun to school. That is something the school corporation will be looking at as it decides its next move.

Tuesday, Mar 18 at 11:50 AM fat joe wrote ...

at is good

Wednesday, Mar 12 at 10:43 AM annonymous wrote ...

What ever happen to when you bought a home, your children went to the schools in that district and where not alowed in other district schools, Isn't that why we buy homes in certain neighborhoods? This plan Z allowing children to go to what ever schools they desire has cause a great hardship to South Bend, Mishawaka etc. It has brought down the values of schools, homes and obivously the children, they know they can go to whatever school they want, if they get in trouble in their schools.

Wednesday, Mar 12 at 10:08 AM Pat wrote ...

The sad and tragic incidents happening in the SBCSC in the last few years bring home a very simple truth. The SBCSC is not responsible for raising children, the families of the children are. Schools now provide breakfast, lunch, and after school programs for children. Where are the parents? Is anyone going to take responsibility for these children? Private schools are a good alternative, because they discipline the students, and have higher standards. Don't make the schools raise your kids!

Tuesday, Mar 11 at 9:41 PM Steve wrote ...

Don't blame the school corporation...It is about time for parents to step up and start watching and showing interests in their children...

Tuesday, Mar 11 at 9:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Every time this happens, it's just a few more parents that are convinced that their kids would be better off in private schools or home schooled. That about $10,000 less per student that Zimmerman gets to spend.

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