The Standard School District recently implemented a policy to lock campus gates after hours while there isn't on-site staff supervision. This is causing concern for some parents.
Around 7:00 in the morning, students begin gathering outside the locked Standard Middle School campus. Until recently, the gates were open around that time. After a threat to school safety, the district decided to keep the gates locked until 8:00 am.
First period at Standard Middle School starts at 8:30 am. For the last few weeks, students who arrive before 8:00 am are locked out of the campus, some for an hour. Some parents aren't happy with the change.
Parent Jennifer Flud said, "I'm concerned about the children's safety, them being out here and things that could get them into trouble as well."
"I just think it's more dangerous. If somebody was going to do something, they have them all lined up right there to do it," said Cheryl Blain.
While some parents have concerns about the kids standing outside here at Standard Middle School, district officials say they're looking out for the safety of students.
Standard School District Assistant Superintendent Karen Cox said, "After our recent safety incident, we've actually tightened up the policy to make sure that students are safe on campus, to make sure that there's adequate adult supervision for our students while they are on campus."
Cox said the lockdown of two Standard schools on February 15th after an unfounded report of a man on campus with a gun was a factor in implementing stricter security measures.
"The policy says that as students gain access to the campus, there will be adequate supervision by adults, i.e. teachers and or administrators on the school campus," said Cox.
Some parents say the policy causes a bigger safety issue.
Flud said, "It's harder for people to get in there. Right here, they're all, here they are anybody wants to hurt them, they're just standing there with nobody there."
Blain said, "I don't have a solution to offer, but I don't think Standard's solution is effective enough to keep our children safe."