By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
Are your kids really safe in school? That's the question Davenport educators are trying to answer.
With the nation still mourning the loss of those killed in the Newtown, Connecticut school massacre, Congressman Dave Loebsack is touring the state to hear from school leaders, students, and parents about where the problem lie and what still needs to be done.
Caroline Saveraid is a senior at Central High and to her, feeling secure in class is a key to learning.
"People are concerned and they want us to be safe and that's def nice to know," she says.
Saveraid is one of several on the panel today, talking to congressman Loebsack about what needs to be done to make sure a school tragedy doesn't happen here.
"Personally, I think the problem is more mental health rather than security, because you can only do so much and you can always find your way around security," Savareid adds. "But it is good to take precautions."
Stephanie Eckhardt agrees. She's a school counselor at West High and a mother of four. Eckhardt says controlling the sale of guns isn't the answer.
"If we don't focus on mental health and get control of that situation in the county, bad people are going to do bad things to children and adults," Eckhardt says.
As far as security goes, Operations Director Scott Martin says keeping the buildings secure is key. That's why the district is already working to install locks on every classroom door.
"They can lock it from the inside and have that security of knowing that they have done what they need to do and they can get into a place where they are safe," he explains.
In the near future, Davenport schools will look into introducing the A.L.I.C.E. program as well.
