(KNZA)--Brown County officials are exploring school safety options in the wake of the devastating school shooting in Texas on Tuesday.
19 fourth-grade students and two teachers were killed in the shooting.
Brown County Sheriff John Merchant, in a release Wednesday, said its very hard to comprehend as to why anyone would want to harm small children and teachers who are utterly defenseless.
“We are at the point where we have to be vigilant on providing protection for our own schools,” Merchant said.
Merchant said options are currently being weighed in the county that would enable a certified law enforcement officer to be present in schools while classes are in session - as well as addressing other safety concerns that could arise.
Merchant said he has had many Brown Co. residents express valid concerns about the safety of children at school and they have not fallen on deaf ears. He said County Commissioner Richard Lehmkuhl has contacted local and state law enforcement officials, as well as school officials, to create a plan to better protect students and staff.
“We are at a point where all entities are coming together to make sure adequate funding is secured to provide safety measures for our children,” he said. “Children should not be afraid of going to school. We owe students and staff a safe environment where they can focus on learning.”
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Horton man arrested following weekend shooting
Hiawatha man facing sex, drug charges waives prelim hearing
Two arrested Thursday in Jackson Co on meth-related charges
Inmate dies at Lansing Correctional Facility
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
One held for past Atchison shooting
MO grass fire battled Thursday
Community Healthcare System hires new CEO
Mound City Mayor Duane Nauman remembered
Brown Co Planning Commission established
Falls City School Board approves personnel moves and purchases
Valley Falls' future set for Wednesday eve discussion
PBPN breaks ground for new business
Sheriff issues safety reminder
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Richardson County Board agrees to mediation
LATEST STORIES
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
New nurse practitioner in Mound City
Mound City Aldermen reorganize and approve purchases
Valley Falls gains state tire grant
KS' LaTurner will not seek another term
One held for past Atchison shooting
Lancaster boil water advisory lifted Thursday