Parents in an Iowa town are demanding increased preventative measures and transparency from school officials following a deadly school shooting earlier this month. During a recent Perry school board meeting, several parents expressed their concerns and suggestions for improving safety in the school district.
One parent, Grace Castro, criticized the district’s current policies and called for the installation of metal detectors at school entrances. She also suggested implementing a temporary remote learning option and enforcing a clear-bag policy. Castro emphasized that these measures are the bare minimum that should be done to protect students.
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Another parent, Mark Drahos, acknowledged that it may not be possible to please everyone with the security measures put in place. However, he shared ideas with a school board member, including implementing a single-point entry system, a no-bag policy, and increased security personnel such as hall monitors.
Joseph Swanson emphasized the need for an enhancement of security measures and mental health resources within the school district. He recognized that finding a solution to this complex issue is not easy, but it is crucial to address the well-being of both students and staff.
The tragic death of Principal Dan Marburger, who was critically injured in the shooting, further highlighted the urgency of the parents’ demands. Marburger was hailed as a hero for selflessly placing himself in harm’s way to protect his students. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff in his honor.
The district’s reopening plan has been put on hold due to Marburger’s death. School officials are consulting with law enforcement and safety experts to develop a comprehensive safety plan. They plan to have uniformed officers on-site as students return to school, and counseling services continue to be offered to students.
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The shooting, which took place in the school cafeteria, resulted in the death of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and injuries to seven others, including Marburger and four students. The suspected shooter, Dylan Butler, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found a pump-action shotgun, a small-caliber handgun, and an improvised explosive device in his belongings.
At the school board meeting, Ahmir Jolliff’s mother requested that Butler be referred to by his name and not as a school shooter or murderer. She urged the school district to thoroughly review the events leading up to the shooting and implement safety procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The community continues to mourn the loss of Principal Marburger, and his body will be escorted back to Perry, where community members are encouraged to line the route to welcome him home. Funeral services are pending.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, parents and school officials are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of students in the Perry school district..
