During a recent meeting of the Rockville School Board, Chairman Miller provided an update on the district's safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure environment for students and staff. He highlighted the implementation of an emergency action plan, which is mandated by state law and accessible on the district's website. This plan includes regular drills and training for school leadership and staff to ensure preparedness in emergency situations.
Miller addressed community concerns regarding safety screenings, explaining that random classroom checks are conducted to enhance security. These screenings, which began two years ago, involve students temporarily exiting classrooms while their belongings are checked using weapon detection systems. The district has also partnered with local law enforcement to incorporate K9 units trained to detect narcotics and explosives, aiming to have these teams present in schools weekly.
The discussion also touched on the presence of armed security in schools. Miller stated that every school has either a School Resource Officer (SRO) from local police or a certified security officer to ensure safety. He expressed a commitment to maintaining security personnel in schools daily, even in the event of staff shortages.
In addition to safety measures, the meeting addressed other topics, including the importance of parental engagement through the parent portal and the observance of National Suicide Prevention Month. The district is actively hiring and encourages community members to consider joining the educational team.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events, including an early dismissal day and professional development days, as well as the next board meeting scheduled for October 8.