Oklahoma Public School Safety

   What are some of the things Oklahoma Public Schools are doing to ensure student safety and security? Before we answer this crucial question for our students and parents, I'd like to give a shout out about our Blanchard Lions wrestlers for their performance this weekend at the class 4A state championships. The Lions have officially added one more sport to its growing list of dynastic programs - Wrestling. Of the 32 class 4A wrestling teams, Tuttle was, as usual, crowned class 4A State Champion, but the Blanchard Lions placed 3rd, the highest placing ever by a Blanchard team. Individually, Zach Williams at 120 lbs. defeated a three-time state champion from Tuttle and became the reigning state champion at that weight. At heavyweight, Ryan Bracken also defeated a Tuttle wrestler, 2-1, to claim the heavy wt. title. At 106 lbs. Braeden Williams was crowned state runner-up, only losing to a Cascia Hall wrestler* in the finals. Jaxon Stratton was also a state runner-up at 152 lbs., only losing to a Heritage Hall wrestler* in the finals. Ian Plott placed 4th in the state at 126 lbs. with Josh Parks 138 lbs., winning matches - and several other wrestlers qualifying for state.
* Note - Heritage Hall High School was crowned class 4A State Runner Up, with only four wrestlers competing at the state tournament. Of course all four (the self-proclaimed four horsemen according to the Daily Oklahoman) were crowned state champions, as two beat Blanchard wrestlers in the finals. Many high school sports fans believe only the best athletes receive scholarships to private schools, and I think this evidence indicates this well kept secret.
   Student Safety and Security - After the Columbine and Sandy Hook school catastrophes, many public schools began to re-examine their student safety policies and protection protocols, and determined what they could do better to ensure student safety. Some schools installed bullet-proof glass on exterior doors and windows, double-entry doors with the inside door locked at all times, metal detectors as in airport security and court houses, and hired gun-toting security guards (resource officers). Our own Oklahoma Legislature even passed a law allowing specific school employees the right to carry a concealed weapon. Public schools also routinely conduct "armed intruder" drills, so that all students and employees know what to do in an emergency. The only school safety measure which is somewhat controversial is that Oklahoma public schools can now legally arm teachers or administrators. If any Oklahoma Public School drafts a board policy, within the guidelines of law, it can allow specific school employees to be armed. So, we'd like to have the Blanchard community opinion of "Does our Blanchard School Board need a policy which allows specific employees to carry a weapon?" If you live in the Blanchard School District, or are a Blanchard parent, please call 405-485-3391 and provide your name and your yes or no opinion. Please, no one outside the district should call and voice your opinion, as you should call your own district office.