by Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News
In the wake of the Newtown, Conn. Elementary school shooting tragedy Education Commissioner Deborah Gist is taking a second look at the plans Rhode Island schools have in place.
While Gist says Rhode Island has strong procedures in place including a lock down procedures she still wants to see if there is anything that can make schools safer for children, teachers, and staff. “When you look at the situation this school also had good procedures in place and yet the tragedy still happened,” Gist told the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil.
“So what we are doing is watching this very closely and comparing what occurred with the procedures we have in place,” said Gist. “I already reached out to Col. O’Donnell from the state police and we will be taking a close look at it and seeing what else we can do to increase safety in our school.”
Meanwhile Gist said schools will be working with teachers and psychologists to help children who are reacting to the shooting on a case by case basis.
