My heart hurts for the community of Chardon, in northeast Ohio. I know people who live there, and they are in deep shock and pain over Monday’s shooting at Chardon High School. I send my deepest condolences to everyone impacted by these events. As both a professional observer of Buckeye State public education and as a mom, two things stand out from Monday’s tragedy. First, there has been a tremendous focus here in Ohio on anti-bullying efforts. Many people initially assumed that bullying was the cause of Monday’s shooting—an assumption that has been largely dispelled. The suspect told law enforcement officials that he chose the victims randomly, and the prosecutor in the case believes his story. We absolutely need to address bullying in (and out of) school. But children, like all of us, can be deeply troubled and in need of help, even when they are treated kindly by others. Second, it appears as if the school, its staff, and its students did everything right when it came to responding to the situation. It is a Fordham mantra that no school can be everything to every student, but we all agree that all schools have a major responsibility to keep students safe and sound when they are in their charge. Emergency response drills and preparedness plans are important. Yes, they take away from “time on task” and force us to confront some of our worst fears, but they simply cannot and should not be overlooked. The leadership and staff of the Chardon school district deserve to be commended for understanding this, and likely preventing far greater tragedy. In this time of mourning, it is worth noting, once again, the vital importance of caring, professional educators.
“Ohio school shooting: Drills, cell phone use paid off,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
“Suspected Chart shooter’s appearance in Geauga County Juvenile Court offers little insight on his mindset,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
