In Wake of Shooting, Liberty Tech Sees Increased Security
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EAST JACKSON — As buses rolled in on Friday, police waited at the doors of Liberty Tech High School after the recent student shooting. Thursday’s shooting alarmed many students and parents, and brought increased security to Liberty, which is not currently assigned a resource officer. “I just want to make sure that all kids, not just at Liberty, but at every school, all kids are safe,” Kevin Stamper, a Liberty parent said. Jackson Police stood by as students arrived, and stayed throughout the day. Some parents believe added security is far overdue, and needs to become a permanent fixture. “After the first incident of this year, they should’ve placed an officer at the school because something like this could happen again,” Stamper said. Despite the incident, Stamper still sent his child to school Friday, and Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin says a little more than 100 Liberty students were absent. “Considering what transpired, I think the absentee rates were not low,” Dr. Ruffin said. “I was still a little hesitant of letting her go back to Liberty, but I’m not going to let this incident stop her from getting her education,” Stamper said. Ruffin added they’ll continue to search students using metal wands in all their schools. As for a quick fix, Ruffin says adding police presence to Liberty is vital. “School safety has always been a priority, but to have that dedicated individual at that school site definitely is going to happen,” Ruffin said. Dr. Ruffin says if money for a resource officer at Liberty is not in the budget, they’ll look at taking an officer from a school that has more than one.
