On Sunday, Sept. 24,
Superintendent Eva Joseph, district administrators, the
Board of Education, Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings and
Police Chief James Tuffey met to discuss additional
safety enhancements in light of an incident on Friday at
Albany High School.
Beginning on Monday, every
student entering Albany High School will be searched, no
hats will be permitted inside the building, and students must have their
shirts tucked in so that security personnel can see
their waistbands. The Albany Police Department will
provide support to district security personnel as it
implements these safety measures.
"The desired outcome is to
be sure no weapons come in the school," said Harry
Corbitt, Director of Safe Schools and Violence
Prevention. "We will conduct these searches for as long
as is necessary."
Superintendent Joseph
stressed that the district will continue to work with city
officials, the police department and the community,
including the Youth Safety Task Force, to investigate
additional strategies to minimize disruptive incidents.
"Working with partners on all
fronts is essential to solving what is a community issue,"
Dr. Joseph said. "It is important for parents and the
community to exercise increased vigilance and to explain the
district's behavioral expectations to their children as we
all work together to create an environment where learning --
our primary mission -- can take place without distractions."
District officials have
discussed holding a parent forum to provide an opportunity
for a dialogue surrounding safety issues. More information
about this event will be released when it is available.
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