Delmar Arts Academy strengthens security measures in response to national school violence

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Amidst a concerning rise in gun violence in schools across the nation, Delmar Arts Academy in Fort Lauderdale has taken significant measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its students.

In response to the tragic incidents that have occurred in elementary schools in Texas and Tennessee over the past year, Adriana Jones, the Executive Director of Delmar Arts Academy, decided to bolster security measures at the institution.

“It’s been happening so many times, it’s painful. It brings tears because how can we see this happening to our children?” expressed Jones.

To address these concerns, the Fort Lauderdale Police were invited to conduct a comprehensive campus assessment and provide recommendations for enhancing school security. Subsequently, officers trained the academy’s teachers and staff on lockdown procedures and effective communication with students about safety.

Additional security measures include the installation of coverings on glass classroom doors, which were once intended for visibility but now serve as a means of concealment in case of emergencies. Tom Jones, an administrator at Delmar Arts Academy, also detailed plans to construct a security wall that separates the lobby from the rest of the school, providing an extra layer of protection.

The academy caters to a diverse age range of students, from 15 months old to third graders. Parents have formed a safety committee to provide input on security enhancements and offer feedback.

Melissa Ruoff, a parent at the academy, expressed her satisfaction with the efforts: “I’m really happy with everything; they’ve really taken initiative and I loved that. They’re taking it very seriously.”

The most ambitious and costly improvement under consideration is the hiring of an armed security guard to patrol the campus. This will require substantial fundraising efforts, which Director Ande Arnett is confident they can achieve.

“We have had so much help; it’s so beautiful. To see how we are step by step, every little thing we do, we get farther and that’s the most fulfilling thing,” said Arnett.

Those interested in supporting the fundraising initiative can do so by following this link.