Stepping up school security in Colorado Springs

It’s a harsh reality that weighs heavily on the minds of all parents: keeping your kids safe at school.

The school board at District 11 in Colorado Springs is discussing possible big changes to its security at more than 50 schools.

Right now, the district’s elementary and middle schools don’t have school resource officers.

That could soon change, but it will be up to taxpayers.

“It provides the opportunity for an immediate response. This isn’t a worry in Colorado Springs, it’s a national worry and we want to be proactive,” said Nicholas Gledich, District 11 Superintendent.

D-11 wants to bring forward a bond question and change to the mill levy this fall.
Those dollars would pay for school resource officers, security cameras, nurses and psychologists in more than 50 schools.

“That’s money well spent,” said Bernie Durance of Colorado Springs.

“I worry about my neighbors and the teachers who are underpaid. They risk their life every day to take care of their children,” said Michael Smith of Colorado Springs.
Right now District 11’s high schools have one resource officer.

All its other schools have zero.

“Also, having a relationship with an officer, knowing who they are and what they do, can only allow student to develop respect for officers,” said Gledich.

If the board approves the election question to go to ballot, the voters then get to decide.

School officials say 80 percent of District 11 voters don’t have kids who attend these schools anymore.

“Whether they think it affects them or not, if there’s a school lockdown because there’s a shooter – it’s going to affect them,” said Smith.

“It’s time to fight back,” said Durance.

School board members will vote on the possible election question Aug. 24.