Ronan Middle School increases security measures
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RONAN – Security protocol has changed at the Ronan Middle School for anyone visiting the facility.
“We’ve put a couple new things in place,” said Ronan Middle School Principal Mark Johnston.
The biggest change can be seen at the school’s main entrance. Student traffic was routed to a different door and barriers were put in place.
“The rope barrier directs visitors into the office where they need to sign in,” he said explaining that the new system makes it clear that people need to get a visitors pass to be in the school. Visitors already needed to get a pass to be in the school, but this system is more informative.
“If parents come to talk to their kids, they need to stay in the roped-off area unless they sign in,” he said. “We welcome people to be involved with the school. They usually come into the school with great intentions that include talking to their children or volunteering, but we need them to go through the proper channels and sign in.”
The second change is in the way some doors are locked. Instead of needing to lock each door, certain doors were put on a connected locking system.
“Now, in a lockdown situation, we can lock the doors more quickly,” he said adding that this is an additional security measure along with the current locking method that utilizes a key code system for staff.
The rope barrier is a visible reminder for visitors to check in at the office, but if they choose to ignore it, an armed school resource officer appointed by the Sheriff’s Office will intervene.
“If administrators ask someone to leave and they don’t, that person could be cited for trespassing or be arrested,” said SRO Levi Read.
Officer Read explained that law enforcement are in schools to watch and react if needed.
“SROs are put in schools as many hours as possible to provide security,” he said. “Our sheriff is committed to being proactive and making sure there is an armed deputy available.”
But – he added that nothing is perfect.
“We are constantly re-evaluating things and making changes,” he said.
Principal Johnston added that one of the schools in the eastern part of the country involved in a shooting was completely locked down during the day and the shooter still gained entry. Officer Read said having trained law enforcement available has been shown to be the best way to deal with violent encounters.
“Everything that is important and precious is guarded by armed people,” Read said.
The local SRO program is paid for by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. School resource officers are in schools from Arlee to Polson. Part of the wages for those officers comes from funding provided by a mill levy.
“It’s important that the students and teachers are kept safe, so we provide that program,” said Sheriff Don Bell.
The SRO program also allows students to interact with officers.
“It lets the students get to know the officers in a non-stressful environment,” he said explaining that he hopes students know they can ask the officers for help at any time. The officers sometimes even participate in school activities. Other law enforcement entities also work with the school.
“They are all willing to help when needed,” Principal Johnston said of the city police, tribal officers, and the highway patrol.
Principal Johnston said the school will continue to update security measures. He reminds visitors to sign in at the front desk to get a visitor’s pass.
