U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington), the only N.C. member of the Homeland Security Committee, today called on the departments of Homeland Security and Education to take steps to strengthen school security.
Etheridge’s comments were in response to preliminary results of a Government Accountability Office study he requested suggesting that schools do not receive adequate federal guidance in developing emergency response plans.
“I requested this report because as the only former state schools chief serving in Congress, I understand the difficulties faced by school systems in preparing and implementing emergency response plans. The tragedy at Virginia Tech only highlights our vulnerability and lack of preparedness,” said Etheridge. “Congress and the executive branch must move swiftly to improve school security. We cannot wait for another tragedy.”
During a committee hearing titled “Protecting our Schools: Federal Efforts to Strengthen Community Preparedness and Response,” Cornelia Ashby with the Government Accountability Office detailed preliminary results of an in-depth national study of school security Etheridge requested in 2006. Among the report’s preliminary findings were that 62 percent of school districts said they lack equipment, training and experienced personnel for emergency management needs. Although most schools have emergency management plans, many do not follow federally recommended guidelines. Many also do not involve local first responders in their plans, a step recommended by the federal government.
Etheridge requested the study following a survey he conducted of principals and superintendents in the second district that suggested that schools need increased guidance from the federal government. The GAO surveyed educators in all 50 states, and North Carolina was one of six states chosen for site visits. The final report will be released in June.
Today’s hearing was in response to the shootings at Virginia Tech in April, however Etheridge has been calling for a committee hearing on School Security since 2005. As the former Superintendent of North Carolina’s schools, Etheridge has made school security his top priority on the committee.
Etheridge is supporting legislation to require DHS to consider the needs of children and schools in all departmental activities. Etheridge is also supporting legislation to require the Department to comprehensive threat assessment of school transportation. He has also drafted bipartisan school construction legislation with the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee to alleviate overcrowding in schools, which exacerbates the risk of violence.
At the request of Etheridge, N.C. State University Associate Vice Chancellor for Environmental Health and Public Safety David Rainer also testified at the hearing today. Rainer testified about N.C. State’s emergency response plans and provided examples of how large universities can effectively work with local first responders to prepare for emergencies.