It’s a sad fact today that even schools full of children face security threats.

Schools used to seem like the safest place in the world, apart from your own home. Now, many parents are wary of sending their children to class.

Faced with a world seemingly gone crazy, local school districts are taking the initiative to amp up security, especially after two threatening incidents in the Mars Area School District this month.

On Friday, we learned about efforts by the Butler Area, Mars Area, Knoch and Karns City Area school districts to ensure all of their students are as safe as it is in the district’s power to keep them safe.

The superintendents all cited elements such as infrastructure, communication and policing as the vital arteries of school safety.

Butler has added a vestibule at the Intermediate High School entrance in recent years, and district superintendent Brian White said the district is constantly enhancing its camera system.

While many schools echo Knoch and Butler’s use of retired state police officers for security, Karns City also relies strongly on communication between students, faculty and the community to keep tabs on any dangers that might be afoot.

It’s comforting to know that our school districts have the right priorities in mind when it comes to security. Students deserve to feel safe as they learn and grow.

“I think when everybody steps back from it, we all have the same core mission: We want to keep everyone safe,” said Eric Ritzert, Karns City Area superintendent.

We commend the schools on their efforts. At the same time, we pray that our students never have to face danger at school.

— CM