Duval County schools review security policy

Superintendent Vitti says measures will be scrutinized

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In light of the shootings that took the lives of 26 teachers and students at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, local school officials are going over their plan for protecting children in Jacksonville's classrooms.

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti said, while he believes the cities school are safe, he will use the holiday break to review security policies.

"I think our systems are solid. I think parents can be reassured that their children are safe when they go to school but we can make them better," Vitti said.

On Friday, Connecticut State Police said Adam Lanza, 20, shot his way into the K-4 school and killed 20 students and six teachers, including the school's principal, before taking his own life.

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Parents in Jacksonville said they want safety to be a top priority for their students and believe the district does that well.

"I feel the educators that teach, and so forth, will protect him and the other kids in his class without hesitation," said Ralph Ridenour, who's son attends classes in Jacksonville.

Superintendent Vitti said security goes beyond the locks on schools doors and procedures to follow in case of emergencies. Vitti believes vigilance and communication are key as well.

"If there seems to be someone on campus that isn't in the school personnel with the right identification, they need to be directed to the office or an administrator needs to be notified."