‘Sooner than later’: SD60 superintendent on securing exterior access in schools

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — School District 60 (SD60) intends to start securing exterior access to schools in the district in the coming months. 

In a letter sent out to parents and guardians on February 23rd, Stephen Petrucci, superintendent of SD60, shared an update on security measures in SD60 Peace River North. 

The letter stated the district was conducting a review of school security measures to determine what changes or improvements may be needed.

In addition, it also shares procedures and programs that have been in place for several years including designated District Safer Schools Coordinator, ongoing violence and threat assessment training, monthly ‘Worrisome Online Behaviour’ report, the ERASE website which contains resources for students and adults on safety and well-being, lockdown and evacuation processes, surveillance cameras and the RCMP’s ‘School Action for Emergency Plan’ (SAFE). 

Petrucci told Energeticcity.ca: “One area that we’re kind of starting with, sooner than later, is a bit more consistency around securing the exterior access to the school.” 

When asked when it will be implemented, he said it depends on the school. 

“Each school is slightly different in terms of its access, its hardware and the mechanics of it,” he said. 

“Over the next weeks and months that schools are changing some of those patterns of access to the school.” 

Other than the front doors, other exterior doors will be locked at most schools, depending on layout, office location and early learning programs, the letter reads. 

SD60 is asking all parents, businesses and the public to check in at the school office before proceeding to any other area of the school.

“The number one thing is to try and keep students and staff [and] trying to find the balance between security measures but also making sure we have a welcoming environment and access for parents,” Petrucci said. 

The school district will be consulting with the RCMP, and schools will be reviewing the internal procedures related to lockdown practices over the next few months.