You should put a warning on this post that it is likely to upset people (especially those with children). It really hit me hard because, as you know, I recently experienced a real threat at the school where one of my children attend. Thankfully, the threat has been dealt with for now and likely for the duration of my child’s education at that particular school. As Michelle stated, most of us have the “NOT HERE” attitude. I, admittedly, had that same attitude.

Michelle did a fantastic job. She is a natural speaker and I’m particularly impressed by her ability to spread her message without making herself out to be a victim. Although she does, eventually, mention that she lost her youngest daughter in this tragedy, that isn’t the message she is trying to spread. I was very touched.

Unfortunately, there are few of us that will be motivated by any of this until/unless they are personally affected by a similar threat or an actual tragedy. As noted above, I fell into that “NOT HERE” category. However, after the threat at my child’s school, I was on a mission. I was certainly motivated. I set out to gather as much information as possible and to do whatever I could, with my door and hardware expertise, to MAKE SURE my child’s school was the safest around…..at least in terms of the doors/hardware. I was trying to bring others on board to help (glass companies I’ve dealt with, security professionals, contractors, etc.). Like the rest of us, they were all too busy. After all, they weren’t likely to profit from helping. Public projects advertise for bids and require at least 3 bids before they will open and read the bids. The profits are low and headaches are numerous. Who needs that when there is an abundance of private work available with higher margins and open specs?

I hit one road block after another. I found that the school principal relies on the county school board and the school board believes they are already experts and don’t need any help. I have a good friend on the school board (although not in the security dept.) that I tried to use as leverage to reach out to the security department so I could at least get them to listen to me for 5 minutes. They don’t want to hear from me or anyone else. I’m not sure if they think I’m trying to sell them something or if they are just too arrogant to think an outsider could help. They are comprised of retired law enforcement officers and security guards. They know everything and are up-to-date on the newest innovations and, therefore, close their doors to outside assistance.

I’ve also met with the mayor and the police chief. I’ve written to local legislators and left messages at every office of anyone that I thought might care. I’ve yet to get a return call or response to a letter. As Michelle stated, keeping our kids safe is something someone else will do.

It is extremely frustrating to say the least. If you have any suggestions for how to overcome these barriers, they would certainly be welcomed.