MOUNT VERNON – Knox County Career Center (KCCC) has added additional layers to its KCCC School Safety Plan.
School safety has always been a focus at KCCC. Administrators communicate regularly with students and parents about the importance of safety and elements of the plan. Everything from lab safety, bus evacuations, fire drills, ALICE training, use of cameras, use of IDs, changes to reception areas and many other security measures have been implemented over the years.
All steps taken point to KCCC’s goal of ensuring student and staff safety. KCCC has also utilized advanced security technology, hired a part-time SRO, and had countless comprehensive and individual safety training sessions. Knox County Career Center Schools District, which includes the KCCC Preschool and Knox Technical Center, along with the KCCC High School, participates locally with a P-20 Safety Committee that includes all local schools, colleges and law enforcement agencies.
Situational awareness will be the main topic during teacher and staff in-service this week. This is another important layer to safety training for all staff with information that applies while at school or after hours. Topics such as the OODA Loop and Stop, Look, Assess and Manage will be covered by trainers from Elite Preparedness of the Mount Vernon Police Department and Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
“Being aware of your surroundings and looking at situations from a threat assessment mindset is important," Superintendent Kathy Greenich said. "We have a variety of drills at the career center that involve students and staff in thinking through situations. I appreciate how supportive our local first responders are of training us and training with us throughout the year. We are very fortunate to be in Knox County."
In early 2018, KCCC administration began working with the board of education, local law enforcement agencies and state trainers to implement an intensive training plan for a small group of employees to meet the requirements for being armed on school grounds. This was done in partnership with the Knox County sheriff and Mount Vernon police chief. At that time, in the State of Ohio, boards of education could determine if they wanted that part of the safety plan to be public or confidential. The decision was made to be confidential.
This small group of employees was vetted in various areas and methods that exceeded the state requirements. The standards for these employees at KCCC go above and beyond those required. This training included state training through FASTER Saves Lives and local training with School Resource Officer Armstrong, Mount Vernon PD, Knox County sheriff deputies, SWAT team members and others. Each employee has to pass an Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy qualification test each year.
In June 2021, an Ohio court decision ended the ability for school districts to arm staff. In recent months, Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB99, which set new standards and requirements. Part of the new requirements is that staff and parents need to be notified.
The small group of employees continued training and meeting requirements, even during the year and a half when they could not carry. Steps are being taken to fulfill all of the new HB99 requirements at this time. The original training and new training for these employees at KCCC include countless school scenarios, medical training, monthly training requirements, a psychological exam and more.
The identities of the armed employees will remain confidential to ensure their safety and to increase the effectiveness of the safety plan.
“In my years working with the Knox County Career Center, it is clearly obvious that student safety is a top priority," MVPD School Resource Officer Jeremiah Armstrong said. "This is another layer of security. I have confidence in these individuals as I train them and train with them.”
“I am grateful the governor has restored this opportunity to schools," Kathy Greenich said. "Of all my duties and responsibilities as the superintendent of Knox County Career Center Schools, my highest priority is to ensure your child’s safety while at school. This is just one piece in our very intensive safety plan."
