BLAIR, NEBRASKA (THURSDAY, 04 JANUARY 2024) – In the wake of the heartbreaking shooting at Perry High School, Iowa, we’re starkly reminded of a narrative that’s become all too common. The need for robust school safety measures and mental health support isn’t just an agenda item; it’s a desperate call to action. As we navigate this familiar yet unnerving terrain, a look at Blair, Nebraska’s approach to school safety offers not just hope, but tangible strategies that other communities might emulate.
And, before you read further, please share this. It’s something I never ask, but today, I hope you’ll share this story. Parents, school board members, law enforcement, counselors, all need to think about how to stop this from every happening in Blair.
The Heartbreak in Perry, Iowa: A Community Shaken
A normal school day in Perry turned into a scene of chaos and fear, leaving students, teachers, and families shattered. As the community mourns, it’s clear that what happened in Perry isn’t just an isolated incident; it’s a symptom of a larger, national crisis. “It is horrendously awful,” lamented Linda Andorf, board president for the Perry Community School District. Her words echo the sentiment of a nation repeatedly traumatized by school shootings.
Blair’s Blueprint: A Glimpse into Preparedness
Meanwhile, in Blair, Nebraska, the conversation is markedly different. Here, school board members and administrators aren’t just reacting to tragedy; they’re actively working to prevent it. Their approach, detailed in an insightful article from April 2023, provides a blueprint for other schools grappling with the same existential questions about safety and student well-being. I contacted Blair School board members who and about this in an article last April, “What If It Happened Here?”
Three Voices from Blair:
- Ginger Fredericksen on Root Causes: “I feel that Mental Health is the root cause of violence in schools,” Ginger Fredericksen, a Blair School Board member, shared. Her insight underscores the need for a proactive approach to mental health, recognizing that the seeds of violence often stem from deeper, unaddressed issues.
- Courtney Tabor on Societal Influences: “We live in a broken world,” noted Courtney Tabor, reflecting on the complex web of societal factors contributing to school violence. Her words remind us that the solution isn’t simple or one-dimensional; it requires a holistic understanding of the world our students navigate daily.
- Dr. Randy Gilson on No One-Size-Fits-All: “There is NO profile of a student who will cause harm,” Dr. Randy Gilson cautioned, warning against the dangers of oversimplification and the importance of individualized attention. This perspective is crucial in crafting nuanced and effective safety strategies.
Applying Blair’s Lessons: A Call to Action
The contrast between the reactive mourning in Perry and the proactive planning in Blair couldn’t be starker. It’s not just about installing more security cameras or locking more doors; it’s about understanding and addressing the complex interplay of mental health, societal pressures, and community engagement.
As communities across the country look to Blair as a potential model, it’s essential to remember that the path to safer schools isn’t just about policies and drills; it’s about people. It’s about listening to students, engaging with parents, and creating an environment where every member of the community feels seen, heard, and valued.
In the wake of the Perry, Iowa school shooting, the Blair community is voicing profound concerns and seeking comfort in shared experiences. Cassie ‘London’ Casey’s urgent inquiry, “What happened??” reflects the immediate shock and need for information that many feel. Jeremy Quick provides not just an answer but also a heartfelt reflection, noting, “It’s like alllllll the other schools in the nation hear this news, then the troubled, outcast, disturbed individual at a different school goes straight into ‘I should do that’ mode.” This sentiment is echoed by Jen Garner, who poignantly asks, “when did sending our babies to school get so scary…” Kassie King sums up the collective anxiety, stating, “It is such a sad world we live in when we don’t feel safe sending our children to get educated.” Together, these voices from Blair articulate a shared concern for their children’s safety and a longing for a more peaceful and secure environment for their education.
The stories of Perry and Blair aren’t just tales of two towns; they’re a microcosm of a national struggle. As we seek to navigate this challenge, let’s take the lessons from Blair to heart. Let’s commit to not only mourning the tragedies but also to preventing them through thoughtful, comprehensive strategies that prioritize the mental and physical well-being of our students.
Our children deserve no less.
Perry, Iowa is just one turn off I-80 from Blair. Two hours from wherever you read this. That’s too close.
I asked “What if it happened here,” last April. Today, less than a year later, I hope the School Board, teachers, and administration know just how close to home this issue really is. If you know someone on the school board, please forward this article to them. Share it on Facebook. Do whatever you can to get this issue on the frontburner of whatever stove is needed to cook up some ideas to stop this from happening in Blair.