NW Ohio schools review safety plans after CT shootings - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

The tragedy in a small school district like Newtown shows that something like this can happen anywhere.  It's prompted districts all over Northwest Ohio to review their security plans.

In the Ottawa Hills school district a letter went home to parents this week letting them know the district is reviewing plans.  Administrators say the key to any plan is to keep the place safe while striking a balance.

"You're always walking a fine line between you want your buildings to be welcoming and open to your parents and the public.  But at the same time you need to protect the interests of your children.  So what does that look like?" said Ottawa Hills Superintendent Doctor Kevin Miller. 

Dr. Miller says the district is reviewing its security plans and already some things have come from the discussions.

"Just reinforcing to our parents the importance of coming to our office to check in even if they're making a short visit to their child's classroom," said Dr. Miller.    

There is a crisis management plan in place and they have worked with the University of Findlay on plans in the past but the discussions have come up again. 

"So we said you know what maybe it's time to bring them back in just to review our plan and talk about many possible updates to our plan," said Dr. Miller.    

Doctor Miller says they may have discussions of a "buzz-in" system for the doors in the future, all in an effort to be safe and accommodating to the kids.

"You want students to feel safe, but you don't want them to feel overwhelmed or alarmed because for example there are policemen in the hallway or they can't get in the building if they're a little bit late," said Dr. Miller.

Maumee schools sent out a similar letter this week.  The district's safety committee was meeting Tuesday as well.