New Report: Missouri last for school safety as districts focus on security

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- A new study of state school systems ranked Missouri 41st in the nation for overall public schools and last in school safety. 

The WalletHub study looked at more than just academics and school funding. It also considered factors like student-to-teacher ratios, graduation and dropout rates, teacher qualifications, school shootings and other measures of school safety. 

Ernie William, CEO of Go To Green, said school safety is tied in part to how much schools are able to invest and whether they're preparing for today's threats. 

“Whether that threat would be an active shooter or homeless people walking in off the streets and what they have done to try to negate those problems,” Williams said.  

William said schools are required to conduct several safety drills, including fire drills, to help keep students safe. 

He also pointed to Texas House Bill 3, which requires schools to keep exterior and classroom doors locked during the school day.  

“They got fence stand around every building, they have mandated the ballistic blast to be put on the entry ways of some of the schools,” William added.  

For the St. Joseph School District, Director of Student Services Leah Richardson said the goal is to make sure students and staff are prepared for any emergency by following the district's crisis response plan. 

The plan covers common emergencies like fires, tornadoes and earthquakes, along with situations such as intruders or other safety threats.  

“We also address those that are different like intruder or awareness within our building for safety. Our district has done a good job to making sure the school buildings are secure. All of our buildings are locked down,” she said.  

She explained that each school has a single public entrance where visitors must check in. Office staff ask every visitor for their name and the reason for their visit before allowing them into the building. 

Richardson also reminded families to bring a photo ID whenever they visit a school.  

“That is critical for us to run you through our systems. Make sure that you are logged as being in our system as well as a background to make sure we are keeping our buildings safe and secure,” Richardson said.  

Richardson said those procedures are important because being prepared allows staff to respond quickly when emergencies happen. 

She added that every school building is different, with its own layout and classroom setup, so each building has plans tailored to its needs.  

“When we are planned and prepared appropriately, then we are able to make sure that we have plans in place and humans can make those shifts if emergencies come around,” Richardson added.  

While unexpected situations can happen anywhere, Richardson said the district is focused on making sure everyone knows the plan and follows it to keep students safe. 

She said the district's top priority is creating an environment where students feel secure.