CATONSVILLE, Md. — Parents, educators, and community members gathered at Catonsville High School on Thursday night for Baltimore County Public Schools’ (BCPS) first Community Conversation on School Safety. The event, led by Superintendent Myriam Rogers, focused on the district’s current safety measures and addressed community concerns.
Rogers highlighted key safety protocols already in place, including the Omnilert Gun Detection System, the Open Gate Security System, and the use of additional vestibules at school entrances to enhance security. She emphasized the district’s commitment to ensuring that both students and staff feel safe not only physically but also socially and emotionally.
The district’s collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) was praised by Chief Robert McCullough, who noted the progress in school safety efforts over the years. “I’m proud of the program we have today, which has expanded from high schools to middle schools, and now includes grade schools across Baltimore County,” McCullough said.
McCullough also spoke about the growth of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, with additional resources and supervision added to enhance its effectiveness in schools.
Attendees were invited to submit their concerns and questions regarding school safety. Topics raised included staffing shortages, cellphone policies, handling emergency drills when students are outside the classroom, and a suggestion from a middle school student for security guards at school entrances.
Rogers addressed some of these concerns before taking more questions from the audience. The next Community Conversation on School Safety is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at Kenwood High School, from 6 to 7 p.m.
