James Mason, superintendent of Webster County Schools, local law enforcement and emergency management personnel met June 28 to prepare for the upcoming school year.
A subsequent meeting was held July 26 with approximately 25 in attendance including local law enforcement, emergency management personnel, school security officers and school district administrators.
Plans were developed that include increased law enforcement presence at all schools, use of schools for local law enforcement response team training, local law enforcement providing emergency first aid kits and training of school personnel.
“Webster County Schools is looking forward to working with our partners for school safety,” Mason stated.
Previously, on June 13, the superintendent presented each School Board member with a copy of the district’s security plan for possible revisions. No action was taken.
In related developments, members of Webster County’s Special Response Team received training on reacting to contact and clearing hallways using two teams on July 20.
According to a social media post by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, the members were put in scenarios that resemble school settings and practiced clearing classrooms while responding to contact.
Team members train weekly on tactics and receive medical training. The SRT conducted a simulated active shooter drill at East Webster Elementary School in Mathiston on July 27.
Webster County students return to school Thursday.
