School safety ‘listening forum’ planned Monday

Feb. 28--WENATCHEE -- Armed guards and metal detectors.

That was the suggestion for improving school safety made to the Wenatchee School Board Tuesday night by retired Wenatchee Police Sgt. Mike Magnotti, who is now a licensed mental health counselor.

"The people who are going to cause the next school shooting are out there with the weapons now. We have to stop waiting for the federal government, state government or for someone else to solve the problem for us. We can do something now," he said. "Limit school access, place metal detectors where children come to school and place armed guards there."

School board members did not comment on the merits of the proposal made during the public comment portion of the meeting, but the topic of school safety is on their radar. Earlier in the meeting, board President Michele Sandberg announced a "listening forum" on the topic of school safety is set for 7 p.m. Monday at the Wenatchee High School commons.

"That session is to hear public comments and feedback regarding schools and safety issues," she said. "We have received a number of concerns about that. We wanted to give the public an opportunity to voice concerns in a public forum."

Suggestions received during the listening forum will be discussed in further detail at a "safety and risk management" board workshop set for March 19. Police and school resource officers have been invited to that meeting as well.

On a national level, President Donald Trump has suggested arming teachers and tackling mental health issues. Student survivors of the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 died, are calling for action, planning walkouts and addressing lawmakers about gun safety measures.

Magnotti, in his presentation, said even if other suggestions, including "eliminating the NRA (National Rifle Association gun lobby), stopping all private ownership of firearms and eliminating assault weapons were "reasonable or possible," they would take time.

He said only one action has been taken in the past 20 years -- posting "Gun Free Zone" signs at schools.

"I don't mean any disrespect, but I don't know how anyone can look at those signs and not realize that they are ridiculous, ludicrous, a sop to political correctness to make it look like we are taking action," he said. "The time has come for us to do something to take responsibility ourselves."

His proposal would be a start, he said.

"I know this is not the best solution. It might not be a good solution. But we have been arguing school safety for 20 years," he said. "I'm not saying this is anything that is going to guarantee complete safety, but it will be a deterrent."

Reach Nevonne McDaniels at 509-664-7151 or mcdaniels@wenatcheeworld.com.

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