Nov 14, 2008 10:46 pm US/Eastern
Families, Students Press For Security & Answers
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
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Students and parents want to know how Dillard High School will be made more safe for everybody.
CBS
While the family focuses on preparing to say good-bye to Amanda Collette, killed on the campus of Dillard High School Wednesday, school officials and police are focusing on how such a terrible crime could occur in their school, and what could be done to prevent it.
Superintendent Jim Notter told
CBS4 Reporter Carey Codd that police are investigating whether someone knew about alleged shooter Teah Wimberly having a gun on campus. He also said they're looking into whether text messages warning of possible violence on campus were sent between students the weekend before the crime.
While police investigate, parents are looking for answers. At a meeting at Fort Lauderdale magnet school Dillard High School Friday night, the theme seemed to be how parents need to be more involved with their children, and that everybody needs to speak up.
"I don't understand how a child is shot; the person who shot her walked off the school and you claim to have security?" Luz Taylor, along with many other parents, is irate and wants to see more security, more officers and possibly even metal detectors at entrances.
Amanda's family, speaking for the first time on Friday, is echoing the sentiments. They question where Wimberly could have gotten the gun and how it got on campus. They're also demanding more counseling options for students. "We don't want other students to fall in this same position or this same situation," said Amanda's aunt, Teshawnia Thompson. "We want more to be done out there in the school system to protect all of our children."
Superintendent Jim Notter says students and parents must start speaking up if they hear any rumors of planned attacks. "I strongly encourage all parents and community members that think 'oh well, this isn't important'… yes it is. Bring it forward."
Luz Taylor came for answers, but she called the meeting "damage control." She wanted to hear the same thing Amanda Collette's mother wanted to hear last Wednesday. "You can count on the fact that we will take every step we can to make sure your child is safe and will come home to you."
In light of the attack, the Broward School district is also coming together to discuss whether sweeping security changes need to be made.
Read More About The Meeting Between Parents And Administration
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