Teachers in the metro Albuquerque area schools are taking additional safety measures following the fatal shooting in Uvalde, Texas, last week that resulted in the deaths of 21 people.
Following the May 24 mass shooting in Uvalde that left 19 students and two teachers dead, many schools in Albuquerque made the decision to let students out for summer break ahead of schedule due to potential nervousness of students, parents, and teachers, according to KOB 4. In Rio Rancho Public Schools, officials decided to end the year a day earlier than scheduled due to the overall worries of students, faculty and parents.
“I know for other staff members it was a sense of relief as well,” said Billie Helean, president of the Rio Rancho School Employees’ Union, according to KOB 4. “That potential causes nervousness and fear, not only for staff but also for parents. It’s not a fun feeling and it’s not a feeling that ever goes away.”
The RRPS, along with the rest of Albuquerque's Public Schools, have security protocols in place aimed at dissuading a potential mass shooter, including locked doors during classroom hours, security cameras and lockdown drills. But the possibility of another tragedy striking closer to home is affecting Albuquerque students.
“It shouldn’t be a scary thing to go to school,” Helean added. “School should be a second home.”
Despite safety precautions, schools continue to worry that a determined person could break through. This creates the situation where some parents and teachers are too afraid to return to school until the schools make changes in regards to safety, according to KOB 4.