School security called good, not infallible Despite planning, some attacks unavoidable Tuesday, October 03, 2006 • BY JOHN MOONEY • Star-Ledger Staff New Jersey was ahead of other states last year when it launched an unprecedented, school-by- school review of security precautions. With police and educators working together, crisis plans were checked, building layouts analyzed, and staff training evaluated. But watching the latest wave of violence from afar, local and state officials yesterday conceded New Jersey schools are hardly invincible when it comes to deliberate, crazed acts like the ones that in the last week struck a school in Colorado, then Wisconsin, and yesterday Pennsylvania. Hackettstown's schools -- less than 120 miles from yesterday's shooting at an Amish school in Lancaster County -- have video cameras and swipe cards at its doors. Like in most districts nationwide following the 1999 Columbine shootings, emergency drills are held regularly, and staff and students are told to be ever-vigilant. "You try to stay on top of things as much as possible," said Robert Gratz, Hackettstown's superintendent of schools. "But what happened yesterday in Pennsylvania, how could you have prepared for that?" While nobody said they would ever skimp on safety, New Jersey's fiscal crunch hasn't helped them beef up their security, either. Added security officers and other measures cost money, as does video surveillance, even staff training. In addition, much of the available federal grants for school safety have dwindled in recent years. This year, New Jersey's schools will see a 20 percent cut in earmarked money through the federal Safe and Drug- Free Schools and Communities Act, to just over $6.1 million statewide, according to the state. Sen. President Richard Codey launched the state's school safety reviews last year when he was acting governor, responding to the terrorist attack at a school in Russia. Yesterday, Codey said he hopes the momentum isn't lost as other demands mount, adding the state might be able to tap Homeland Security funds to protect schools. "We have to make sure it doesn't stop, and that we remain constantly vigilant," he said. "We have to keep finding ways to get these things funded. ... Eventually, I want to see cameras at every access we have at a school." In Dover Township, Ocean County, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said he contacted his local Toms River Regional school district after hearing of the Pennsylvania shootings to offer support. The district already has security officers in every high and middle school, he said, as well as video surveillance in all schools. "Certainly after Columbine it forced school administrators and chiefs of police to reevaluate the measures they have in place," Mastronardy said. "By this time, whatever steps are needed have been taken. It's a matter of going out to make sure they are in place and ready." But would it be enough? "If anybody goes to a school, they are checked and their access is limited," Mastronardy said. "Is there 100 percent certainty? Unfortunately, no." Piscataway schools also have cameras in place, and a security guard at the high school. A "stranger alert" system asks stu dents to notify authorities if they come in contact with suspicious individuals on their way to and from school, officials said. "Are we there yet? I think we're pretty close," said deputy superintendent Harold Reid, stressing the true test is when the emergency strikes. "You can put together as many lists (of safeguards) as you like. But what's important is what you have in your head when you come into that situation." John Mooney covers education. He may be reached at jmooney@star ledger.com, or 973-392-1548. © 2006 The Star-Ledger. Used by NJ.com with permission.