CAPE SCHOOL DISTRICT DEVELOPS SECURITY PLAN

Last year, a comprehensive security plan for Cape Girardeau Central High School and Junior High was presented by Mark Ruark and Barry Hovis. So far, the assistant high school principal and school resource officer can point to some progress, but most of the plan's elements are still only unimplemented ideas.

But Ruark, assistant high school principal, remains positive.

"In a lot of ways, Cape schools are ahead of the game," he said. "We have done all that we can do that doesn't cost anything."

-- Identification badge system. A $10,000 federal grant was applied for, but not received. This would be the cost to implement an ID badge system in all Cape Girardeau schools, Ruark said. The possibility of using a grant for school lunch ID badges is under investigation.

-- School uniforms. "This is not even in the debate stage," Ruark said. "Most things that haven't received attention have to do with money."

-- Restricted access to buildings. Certain doors at the ends of the buildings have been locked during different times of the day, but this has proved difficult because the junior high and senior high have some shared facilities.

-- Action against all threats. The zero-tolerance policy on threats has fostered better communication between students and school personnel. Ruark said, "Most of what we heard about last year were rumors."

-- Outlaw backpacks and lockers, which is being discussed. Ruark said Poplar Bluff schools have managed to eliminate lockers by providing a classroom set of books in addition to students' books for homework, but this is quite expensive.

-- Purchase metal detectors. The high school has one that can be used if there is a tip about a weapon.

-- Hire another SRO. Rob Barker will start work, based at Louis J. Schultz School, this school year.