Supt. Kobza reports on school security

Following the tragic attack on a Texas school, Marty Kobza, superintendent of the Superior schools, made the following statement:

Recent events in Texas and around the country involving tragic mass shootings shakes us all to our core.  We in the Superior Community are all too familiar with the fear and pain associated with these events. Safety of students is always our first and primary concern. I would like to list some of the things that we have in place. Understand, we intentionally omit a few details we share with the public to prevent anyone who may have ill intentions to know all of our security measures.

• Our entrances are hardened with buzz in systems that will become even more robust in the fall. Glass in strategic areas throughout the building is reinforced and is not easy to penetrate. 

• We are upgrading our already comprehensive surveillance system.

• We have a strong cooperation with law enforcement and will be seeking opportunities to have more of a presence on campus.

• We have one entrance designated in each building once the school day starts.

• There are panic buttons and systems to lock down all interior and exterior doors in the building.

• We do practice drills with students for different scenarios including active shooter drills.

• We have a reunification plan in place should we need to evacuate campus and reunite children and parents. This will be practiced with staff during our in-service days this fall.

• We have a comprehensive mental-health and counseling program including a partnership with the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Students can access mental health services here on our campus during the school day through a blended delivery model with UNL. ( In person and virtual)

• We are going through a comprehensive review of our crisis procedures on June 6 and 7. This training will include law enforcement, fire, school personnel, and emergency management.  

** The most important factor for prevention of violence associated with schools is communication. If a student or parent sees or hears of anything on social media or through any form of communication it should be reported. 

We are now part of a statewide reporting system where individuals can report anything suspicious. This may be done anonymously. Those reports are processed though a central location and sent to the proper authorities. Materials and detailed information will be provided to everyone prior to the start of school in the fall in regards to this program. Do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.