Safety experts hired to inspect East Noble Schools

KENDALLVILLE, Ind. (WANE) - School safety specialists spent their second of three days touring buildings Tuesday in the East Noble Schools Corporation. 

The district contracted National School Safety and Security Services to analyze its safety procedures and building infrastructure for gaps that might make schools vulnerable to violence.

Superintendent Ann Linson said she believed the district was the first in the area to make such a decision but does not think it will be the last.

“It’s starting to create a comfort level for the community.  It’s going to help them realize that we are doing everything we can,” Linson said. “There are some things that we really can’t prevent, as much as we don’t want to hear that.  As a district, we’re going to explore all the options that we possibly can to make sure the buildings are safe for the kids.”

Ken Trump, president of the firm, and his team toured East Noble Middle School Tuesday afternoon with the school’s principal.

They dug for details like locked doors, security camera placement and the public’s access to the building.

The experts acknowledged steps the school had previously taken with safety in mind including signs on the doors reminding students and staff to not open doors for anyone, even those with whom they are familiar.

“The weakest link is always the human aspect of school safety,” Trump told school officials. “If you don’t train your people, you can have all the technology and bells and whistles but… This is a good reminder to tell them not to open the door for somebody because they never know who they’re letting in the school.”

In the end, Trump’s firm will provide the district with a long-term strategic safety plan.

Early in its assessment, Superintendent Linson said the team provided low-cost suggestions that could be implemented immediately to improve security.  The district spent $27,000 to contract National School Safety and Security Services.