Duval superintendent proposes school security changes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The Duval County Public School Board met this morning to discuss revising safety plans in their school system.

Superintendent Dr. Nicolai Vitti expressed his need to help parents and teachers talk to students about the tragedy in Connecticut, and ensure them they are safe at school.

The superintendent says he started working on revisions to safety plans in Duval County schools first thing Monday morning.

Dr. Vitti wants an SRO visible at elementary schools, and to make it a procedure for them to visit schools more often. The superintendent will meet with all principals in January to discuss safety plan changes.

The School Board unanimously agreed an issue like this needs to span further than just changes made in the schools.

"Safety is our top priority for the kids in our schools," said board member Cheryl Grymes. "And certainly it is a community issue. We want to make sure our kids are safe while they're in school, while they're in the community. So we certainly need help to make sure that happens."

The board is putting together a letter to parents ensuring they're doing all they can to up security at school.

The district is also planning on a moment of silence at the beginning of the next board meeting for the 26 lives lost in Connecticut.