Former Indiana official: State, federal leaders need to do more for school safety

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Jennifer McCormick, a former Indiana superintendent of public schooling, mentioned state and federal leaders aren’t doing sufficient to assist hold faculties protected.

Her feedback come in the future after a gunman opened hearth at a Texas elementary faculty and killed 19 college students and two adults.

“Individuals say that is unthinkable, effectively it’s not unthinkable at this level, it’s weekly,” McCormick informed Information 8 on Wednesday.

McCormick left the state job in January 2021. When requested if she believes drills assist or harm youngsters, McCormick mentioned, “I’ve been by way of the college security academy. I used to be a trainer. I used to be a principal. I used to be a superintendent after which, clearly, state superintendent. We now have to drill. So, it’s not one thing that anyone enjoys and it’s unlucky that we’re at that time however we’re so the drills stay needed.”

Nonetheless, McCormick mentioned, even these efforts haven’t been sufficient to cease mass shootings from taking place.

“We proceed to drill. We proceed to coach. Our SROs (faculty useful resource officers) are wonderful. Our legislation enforcement companions are wonderful. We can’t do that alone. It’s time for our lawmakers to be brave and begin serving to us,” McCormick mentioned.

Jody Madeira, a professor at Indiana College Maurer College of Legislation, mentioned faculty shootings are far more than a political or Second Modification subject. Madeira mentioned mass shootings are a public well being epidemic. “I feel that the main target needs to be on broader primarily based efforts to determine people who pose a risk. In Texas, it’s a must to be 21 to purchase a handgun, however you could be 18 to buy a rifle. As well as, you realize, there are states like New York that permit purple flag legislation studies to be filed by faculty officers and directors, and people are the individuals who are available contact with these people who could also be most troubled.”

McCormick mentioned if leaders don’t decide to severe change, she believes it’s time for brand spanking new leaders.

“My concern is on this realm we’re going backward, and faculties are doing the perfect they’ll, and I don’t assume there’s one superintendent throughout the state of Indiana or throughout the nation that claims, ‘We’ve figured this out. We don’t want your assist.’ Everyone knows we can’t do it alone. We’d like help,” McCormick mentioned.