Point Boro School Safety Forum Wed. Night

Point Borough Schools will host a School Safety Panel Discussion and Parent Forum from 7 to 8 p.m. Wed. at the Borough High School auditorium.

District administrators will join local law enforcement officials and school safety experts for "an engaging and collaborative discussion about best practices in school safety," according to a prepared statement from the district.

Those attending the forum will learn about safety procedures and emergency response exercises practiced in the Borough School District.

Panelists Include: 

Vincent S. Smith, Superintendent, Borough Schools 

Larry Williams, Borough Police Chief

Marlene Lynch Ford, Ocean County Prosecutor

Charles A. Kuyl, Chief of Detectives, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office

Chris Schulz, major, state police

Anthony Bland, state coordinator, state Department of Education, Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning

David Corso, assistant state Commissioner of Education

James Di Orio, Special Agent, FBI 

The statement from the district states:

"The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School coupled with other high profile incidents of school violence have moved the topic of school safety to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness, and have prompted political leaders, law enforcement officials, safety experts and educators to examine the security procedures and emergency response practices currently employed in the nation’s schools to determine what can be done to mitigate future tragedies.

As these conversations persist at the national level, many school districts are working with their local law enforcement to strengthen school safety procedures as they await federal and state guidance. In the meantime, however, parents of school-age children are left with many unanswered questions and concerns about what is being done to ensure the safety of their children.

“The Point Pleasant Borough School District takes a proactive approach to security measures in our schools,” said Superintendent of Point Pleasant Borough Schools Vincent S. Smith. “Maintaining a safe learning environment for the children of Point Pleasant Borough is our single most important responsibility. Ensuring the safety of our students is paramount; our commitment to this belief drives the continual assessment of district safety procedures.”

“But despite the vigilance with which the district enforces our security procedures, a tragedy of this magnitude demands swift yet prudent action, involving the entire community,” he said. “I strongly encourage all parents and guardians of Point Pleasant Borough students as well as members of our community, to attend this discussion.”

“Violence in our schools and our communities is having a profound effect on our world. Now is the time to discuss what we, as a community, can do to protect our children.”

To find out more about the Point Pleasant School District, visit the district website.