Schreiber is generally regarded as a very safe school, with a student to staff ratio of 13.6:1 and very minimal instances of threats of violence in past years.  Around the country, however, school shootings and debates over the need for gun regulation have made safety in schools a hot topic.  In fact, data published by Everytown For Gun Safety on gunfire and subsequent casualties in schools, shows that while in 2013 there were 51 cases of gunfire on school grounds, that number rose to 62 in 2016, 96 in 2020 and 202 in 2021.  Similarly, deaths resulting from these incidents have risen from 2013-2033, with 2021 seeing the second-highest number after 2018, the year of the Parkland school shooting.  

“I think school safety is important because without it it creates a real atmosphere of fear and makes students uncomfortable to be in school,” said junior Bryson Shaub.

With the inability to change gun law or solve society-wide mental-health problems, schools have turned to increased security measures to improve student safety.  At Schreiber, this can be seen in mandatory ID checks for students walking into school each morning, doors that can only be unlocked during the school day by scanning one’s Schreiber ID, security cameras, and security guards outside.  With each of these measures, the goal is to only allow Schreiber students and staff inside the building, promote students carrying identification, and monitor potentially risky behavior of students once they are in school.  Plus, if a dangerous or otherwise unlawful action were to take place, cameras would document it for the school and law enforcement to review. 

“I definitely feel that our school is secure because they make us open the doors with our IDs,” said sophomore Rachel Schupak. 

Still, these measures are not foolproof, and the school should take whatever measures available to guarantee the safety of students.  Assistant Principal Mr. David Miller, the director of district security, explains the concept of school security as a multilayered one that requires all participants’ support of the mission.  In addition to the current measures, security could be improved through the help of additional staff checking IDs in the morning, and swipe-in technology in which swiping an ID would record attendance and easily keep track of who is on and off campus at any time.  That would require additional funding that the district cannot secure for the 2023-2024 school year, but it is a distinct possibility in the future.  Some schools have turned to the addition of police officers or security guards inside their buildings, but Mr. Miller does not see this as a possibility for Schreiber.  Not only would the cost of hiring more uniformed security outweigh the benefits in an already secure building, but interior security may not prevent intrusion and could be unwelcome by students and parents.  

“I feel like even though it might technically make the school safer, having security guards inside could be really intimidating and make students feel tense instead of providing the relaxation that should come with increased safety,” said junior Tarah Pamar.

Above all else, Mr. Miller views the entrances as having the most potential for reform.  In past years, student entrance was almost exclusively limited to the front entrance, where it is relatively easy to keep track of everyone entering the building.  With COVID-19, social distancing created a need for separate entrances last year, now construction on the site, that is not possible anymore.  Additionally, the side entrances, although locked throughout the day, become less secure when taking into consideration the number of students who get let inside by any passing student or teacher who sees them without their ID.  

“The idea of not opening the doors for anyone when in the school makes sense, but it is difficult to ignore a student knocking on the door and asking you to open it.  Especially if you have been in that situation before or if you know the person who needs to be let in,” said junior Adam Lee.

While a lessening need for COVID-related funding could provide money towards a swipe-in system in future years, student behavior at entrance points is one of the few factors that can be improved.  As emphasized by Mr. Miller, school security requires support by all participants, and simply serves to benefit the student body.