About 184,000 Orange County public school students will return to their class rooms next Monday with enhanced security measures in place and after a two-week winter break.
“OCPS takes seriously the safety of all students and employees at every school,” said a statement released by OCPS late on Friday.
The statement added that, while school and site-specific security plans are not publicized as an added safety measure, the district’s enhancements include, but are not limited to: mandatory lockdown drills similar to fire and tornado drills, increased meetings of the Safe School Planning Team, increased surveillance in several forms and strict school visitor check-in management.
OCPS is recognized nationally by the Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) as a district “demonstrating efficient and effective use of resources in the critical area…..of safety and security.” In April 2012, the district was awarded the national “Managing for Results Achievement Award.”
Consultations continue between the district and local, state, federal, and private security experts with the view to maintaining the highest level of security on campuses. These consultations will not be made public, as an added security measure.
OCPS is encouraging every citizen to make it their personal responsibility to report any concerns regarding security to their local school or law enforcement agency.
