Monroe County school districts, law enforcement step up school security in response to Texas shooting

Local law enforcement entities announced a beefed up presence in and around the county's school districts in the wake of the deadly school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office issued a statement informing the public that there would be an increased police presence at all Monroe County schools beginning this week and running through the end of the school year.

"The safety of our schools, children and citizens remain a priority," the statement reads. "Therefore, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with the Michigan State Police, Monroe City Police Department, Monroe County Intermediate School District and all local law enforcement agencies will be collaborating efforts to provide increased patrols at all Monroe County schools throughout the end of the school year. It is the mission of law enforcement and school officials to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students and citizens."

The statement indicated that Monroe County's law enforcement agencies had not received any threats targeting Monroe County schools, but still urged vigilance and caution.

"Sheriff Goodnough reminds the public to immediately report any information or suspicious activity to law enforcement, or through the OK2SAY- Michigan Student Safety Program," it reads. "Information and tips can be submitted directly through phone, text, email or on-line at www.michigan.gov/ok2say."

Officials from several school districts released their own statements indicating that resources are available to any staff members or students who have been affected by this latest school shooting.

"If any students or staff members need assistance as we all try to process this unimaginable act, please seek the support of our amazing building principals or counseling staff," said Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carl Shultz. "District leadership will ensure that our district mental health and trauma team members are available at all levels. Bedford Public Schools remain committed to ensuring both the physical and emotional health of our students and staff."

Ida Public Schools Superintendent Sandra Kreps issued a statement saying that the district completed an ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) drill for its students just this past Monday, and that the youths were "impressive as they listened and understood the importance of the drill and evacuated."

"Please discuss with them what they learned and share with your building principal any concerns or further questions," Kreps wrote. "We continually seek ways to improve. In that quest, you will see a few more changes this fall. It is a balancing act, not wanting to live in fear and creating unnecessary anxiety while being diligent. I imagine you have the same balancing act at home when trying to explain to your children what is going on in the world.

Kreps referred families to the National Association of School Psychologists' website as a guide for answering some of the tough questions their children may have about the ongoing events in the world.

"As always, we are in this together," she said. "It takes all of us to help keep our schools safe and our children thriving."