Logos installs new fence after Uvalde massacre – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2022-06-19

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Logos installs new fence after Uvalde massacre By Kevin Opsahl Jun 19, 2022 12:15 AM A A The fence was erected this week after a parent suggested it Logos Public Charter School on Ross Lane in Medford put up a security fence after the Uvalde shootings. [Jamie Lusch / Mail Tribune] Logos Public Charter School erected a new fence around the perimeter of its property last week in direct response to the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. It is the first school in the Medford School District known to have taken such a measure after the May 24 tragedy that left 19 students and two staff dead. The 850-foot fence, installed by the Central Point-based company Quality Fence, includes upper wiring at an angle to prevent intruders from climbing over — although the fence is not electric. In an interview with the Mail Tribune, Logos’ Executive Director Sheryl Zimmerer called using $14,975 in discretionary spending “an easy decision” after a parent contacted her and suggested it. “Our staff and families have reacted very positively. It has helped put their minds at ease, as much as possible,” she wrote in an email. “As we know, nothing is foolproof, but everything we can do behind the scenes helps.” Zimmerer noted that Logos had issues with people jumping over the fence when the school was closed and damaging property, but that stopped once the new fence was erected. The fence was installed starting June 13, a few days after the school year ended. The 2022-23 school year begins Aug. 29. Previously, Zimmerer sent a message to families mourning what happened in Texas, while trying to give them “peace of mind” by explaining some of Logos’ safety protocols, which did not mention the existing fence. “It is impossible to not be changed by this, but as we go into the end of the school year, we hope to get back to the important celebrations of childhood, knowing that we are doing all we can to always keep our Logos family of students and staff safe,” Zimmerer stated in the letter. Logos Public Charter School families had the chance to weigh in on suggestions for ways the school could keep kids safe during a June 7 town hall. Officials with Jackson County school districts indicated they are re-examining their security protocols, but some of those discussions started well before the Robb Elementary shooting. The Medford School District — of which Logos is part while operating independently — said it will review its safety protocols this summer at the annual retreat of the school board. Reach reporter Kevin Opsahl at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @KevJourno.