Happy holidays – wishing everyone a great new year.
I wrote the following article as a guest editorial that ran in the Lincoln Journal Star on Sunday, Dec. 23 – and I thought others might enjoy reading it.
Steve
Elementary age children from one of our schools in Lincoln sent me hand-written letters this week in appreciation for keeping them safe. I know they are addressing all of our staff when they write:
- Emily: “You make me not afraid to go to school. You make me feel safe when I’m in school.”
- Lexie: “You really have an important job to protect our schools…You are here to protect us.”
As we move forward after the horror and tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut I hold the tender, trusting words of those children – and carry the responsibility for their safety – close to my heart. While our kids cut, paste and create homemade gifts for the citizens of Newtown – we ache from the photographs of sweet, young faces, and feel a rush of sympathy for grieving parents whispering wrenching eulogies.
But sleepless nights accompany our condolences. While we continue to reassure our children that all is well, our sense of well-being is shaken. This month, every single Lincoln parent, every single Lincoln Public Schools employee is asking: Can it happen to us? Can it happen here?
Our family of educators at LPS took this attack very personally: We are vigilant about protecting our community’s children while they are in our care. I know our teachers, staff and principals would do everything in their power to guard our students from harm, just as the educators did in Newtown.
Each time one of these sad events occur, like school administrators across the country, I immediately think of our 36,900 students as my own children – and am grateful for the commitment of 7,000 LPS employees who feel exactly the same. In fact, immediately after news of the shooting reached Lincoln we began reaching out to our own families, students and staff. With good advice from school counselors, social workers and crisis team members, we offered guidance and support in talking to children about this emotional ordeal.
At the same time we promptly began reviewing school district security measures, a protocol that is a daily duty at LPS. We assessed our extensive list of precautions and procedures in collaboration with our fine, local law enforcement. LPS has established secured entrance monitors, security drills and stringent rules about locked doors. We conduct extensive background checks for new hires, while each of our six high schools is assigned a school resource officer from the Lincoln Police Department. We are now undergoing a review of all security measures and investigating expanded officer presence in our schools as well as preventative strategies such as threat assessment teams
Of course it is inevitable that we question whether we are doing enough. I believe we are doing everything we can to keep our children safe.
However, I need to be honest. In today’s world there are no guarantees of safety for anyone – anywhere – as the potential of violence looms large. I do not believe evil will be stopped by a locked door. I believe evil is stopped with constant vigilance, watching out for one another, and perhaps in dramatically changing the conversation.
A Lincoln pastor – speaking last Sunday – urged our community to regard this tragedy as an opportunity to renew a commitment to our children. Our students are in danger every single day, but most often they are not stalked by a man with a gun. They are stalked by hunger and neglect – mental health issues and addiction – the loss of opportunity and hope in their lives.
I am making a renewed commitment – as a superintendent, father and grandfather, actually the grandfather of a brand-new grandson born just last week. As I hold that tiny new life in my arms, I know I cannot explain all the craziness of the world to little Jackson. But I can and will make him a promise.
I will make the choice not to live in fear.
I ask that you join me. Let’s unite together to create a community where no one feels left out, and where everyone feels respected, accepted and supported. Let’s pledge to go beyond the lip service and back up our promise with intention, money and momentum.
I urge you to embrace the holiday season with grace and healing. Hug your children and hold them close. But let’s also wrap our arms around all the children of Lincoln.
