CMS Teachers To Get Active Shooter Training By Summer

CHARLOTTE, NC– Parents heard specific ways schools will train for a shooter starting this Summer.

Tuesday, City Council Member Dimple Ajmera called a town hall meeting with CMPD and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after parents had questions about what is being done to keep their kids safe.

Teachers and students spoke about their fears that a shooter will kill them in school.

“I want to worry about my education not about if I’m going to die or not,” said one student.

“We’re fearing for our lives, too,” said teacher Erlene Lyde.

CMPD Chief Kerr Putney says his officers will start active shooter training for teachers and administrators district-wide this Summer.

“So that people are comfortable and know how to do it instantly,” said Chief Putney.

Officers will teach: run, barricade or confront a shooter.

“You’ve got to start training now because if you don’t start training, you won’t do it, and you won’t remember it,” said Officer Steve Huber.

A student brought a loaded gun to Olympic High School Monday. Last school year, records show 19 guns ended up in CMS, more than any district in the state.

“I do feel like we need to address the mental pieces that come along with adolescents and young adults,” said Priscilla Willingham.

She’s a parent of an eighth grade student at CMS.

Tomorrow, Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox will ask the school board for more money to hire mental health workers. Specifically, a social worker, psychologist and guidance counselor in each school.

Right now, there’s one for several schools.

Dr. Wilcox also wants money to put cameras in classrooms and enhance door locking systems and perimeter control.

Right now, every school as a police officer. Your kids are trained to see something, say something. They also do lock-down drills.

The district says it is adding an anonymous violence and bully reporting app for kids to use on their phones.

Teachers want to see action.

“In this community, a few people are talking the talk, they’re not walking the walk,” said Lyde.

CMPD is talking to the district about how to teach children the active shooter training. Chief Putney says they have to figure out how to have the conversation with children.

CMS says the district needs to do a better job at getting information to families on where to get psychological help from the school.