When the Parkland School Board convened Feb. 20, several days after the shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the tragedy and reported on district security measures.

“We are here with a heavy heart and mind after that horrific incident,” Sniscak said.

“Parkland School District and this board have placed school safety as a priority for many years and will continue to improve as we learn from such tragic situations as the one in Parkland, Fla.

“Our condolences go out to all of those hurt by this tragedy.”

Sniscak said the district has established strong relationships with emergency personnel and hosts quarterly meetings with first responders throughout Parkland municipalities, and with mental health agencies.

For preparedness training, crisis plans are reviewed regularly and drills are conducted to practice response procedures.

Schools are locked at all times and all have secure vestibules. A visitors must ring a doorbell and identify his- or herself before being allowed to enter.

A full-time police officer is on site at the high school every day, and another one covers the middle schools.

Sniscak noted the district places a big emphasis on identifying at-risk students and providing them with psychiatric and mental health services.

In a midyear report on district goals, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman reported safety related professional development opportunities for staff members are ongoing.

He said Parkland participates in the Emergency Preparedness Council which includes other educational entities and has quarterly meetings.

Troutman said Parkland has created a districtwide crisis communication plan and incident command structure and is continuing to review its parent reunification procedure.

“We plan for it but hope we never have to use it,” Troutman said.

Board member Rob Cohen voiced some thoughts on the recent Florida shooting and recalled the 1999 Columbine calamity was the first of many terrible occurrences.

Cohen then spoke about the Florida students who are asking public officials to take action to prevent any more school shootings.

“The grieving students are saying something as they fight for change,” Cohen said. “I support these kids 100 percent.

“My No. 1 focus is to provide a safe and secure environment for our children so we can offer them an education.”