The steps taken in Pittsburgh are just one example of how countless school districts across the nation tightened security and welcomed an increased police presence in efforts to calm frightened students and staff in the wake of the Texas massacre in which 19 children were killed at Robb Elementary School. So far in 2022 alone, there have been 27 school shootings, leaving five students and one staff member dead, Daniel A. Domenech, executive director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, said in a statement. “What are we telling our communities, parents, families and students when we can’t ensure their physical safety at school?” Domenech asked. “How are we going to continue the important work of academic recovery and mental health supports in response to the pandemic when we can’t reasonably ensure the core need for physical safety? It begs the very fair question, ‘Is school safety on America’s short list of priorities? If not, why not?'”

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In Wisconsin, police increased patrols at Madison City Schools “although we have not had any threats toward our schools,” Superintendent Ed Nichols said on Facebook. In Florida, Duval County Public Schools, headquartered in Jacksonville, has banned students from carrying backpacks or large handbags for the remainder of the week, Action News Jax reported. Police increased their presence at schools in cities and towns across Connecticut, the site of the nation’s worst-ever school shooting at Sandy Hook in 2012, The Hartford Courant reported. The West Hartford Police Department said on Facebook that it would increase patrols at school though officials were not aware of any threats.

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In quick response to Uvalde, leaders harden schools to calm community fears

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