As a parent of young children, in many ways I'm relieved the idea was rejected. I still say let's teach the staff and students a form of martial arts as a method of "what else can we do" to make the schools safer. Martial arts are not just skills for defense, but if taught properly, also instill confidence and self-discipline - all skills which many youngsters can benefit from.

At least the Desi Kirchhofer and other "school officials" have some common sense in not wanting guns in the classroom.

It is easier to point fingers after the fact and "THEN" do some thing to address the problem. There is an option, of course schools are anti-2nd amendment. Once an intruder who intends to do harm in a school, mall, theater or other place enters the bad things can happen fast. OK, the police are 3-5 minutes away in the Rockwood School District. Sorry, that is 3-5 minutes too long. The school, the police will then tell the grieving +/or survivors they did the best they could. But they didn't. There are teachers who themselves have CCW endorsements, there are probably some who are war veterans..... If they have the ability and the desire to be armed, concealed and confident this prohibition makes no sense. It has worked in Israel for over 5 years since a slaughter there in the 50's. They learned their lesson, armed some of their teachers and there has not been a school shooting since. Learn the lessons of history or we are doomed to repeat them. It can't happen here?

The above should read "In Israel for over ***50*** years."

"The idea of asking voters to approve a specific tax that could fund an added police presence was discussed as well, but Fitch said asking for tax increases is always a “significant hurdle.”

Such an increase will find significant support, I suspect. It is worth further discussion and logistical proposals.

As wealthy as the residence of Wildwood are, they could easily afford to hire ex miliatry police to guard their schools.

St. Louis

WOW St. Louis County Police Department! I had no idea there is Safe Schools Partnership of St. Louis County launched during the 1998-1999 school year. This has got to be the most responsible action taken yet in our country. Your department is more than up to speed. Thank you for your service to our communities.

I feel that it would be important to consider including a behavioral psychiatrist or more to help disseminate what is important and what is not at your meeting. Would you consider teaching the schools staff and community of what to be aware of and what to look for in characteristics of suicidal, depressed or manic behavior. I would think that perhaps arranging rescue drills including local medical services physicians and other support groups, as well as, citizens who could be instrumental - especially your senior citizen population to help in a crisis.

Frankly, I do not believe going after guns or assault rifles is the answer. Most guns used in these gun massacres were obtained legally. I value our 2nd amendment rights and do not wish to see controversial legislation attacking the gun or all the responsible citizens that own a gun for protection even when out in the community with a permit to carry a concealed weapon.

Perhaps it is time to hold responsible drug manufacturers and psychiatrist to a more rigid standard in prescribing psychiatric medications with criminal responsibility or negligence in the use and treatment of mind altering drugs.

Asking an educator to carry firearms and be responsible for eliminating an attacker seems too much to ask. And who wants an armed x-military presents patrolling your school grounds? What about alarms and metal barricades in the form of bookshelves in a class room or automatic door locks perhaps isolating a shooter when alone? There must be some good ideas out there to help. We are not Israel and we need to give this more thought and take some time to consider alternate and multiple methods of approaches. When a teacher goes on vacation or is out ill what about a substitute police detective or combat experienced veteran teaching credentials who can be used as security that monitors the schools behavior and children without much attention or notice. These folks could be rotated school to school and district to district without anyone necessarily noticing them. Just some on the spot thoughts. I am sure your community can come up with some great ideas - why not see what they can offer?

Watch the followign youtube video, it might change opinions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M1u0Byq5Qis

Excellent video - a must see! Thank you Marc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcyLeOm6yGc&feature=youtu.be

I'm sure that most parents would rather have their children be sitting ducks for a deranged shooter than permit qualified, armed adults to give them real protection. Maybe this is Darwinism in action.

http://www.examiner.com/article/st-louis-county-police-chief-questions-wisdom-of-schools-as-gun-free-zones

I just got on here to see if F/O's head exploded today. The NRA wants to arm schools by using taxpayer money.

Then when the revolt comes the government can hold our kids hostage.

Preventing another Massacre
by Jeff Jacoby
Good laws will never abolish all evil.

A must read: http://www.aish.com/ci/s/Preventing-another-Massacre.html