Schools

Cuyahoga Falls Schools Superintendent: 'We Are Not Profiling Children'

The district is working to create a safer learning environment with new security measures, but according to Dr. Todd Nichols, that does not include profiling children or creating a "list" of students who may be prone to violence.

On Jan. 6, the Cuyahoga Falls City Schools announced it would be working closely with the Falls police and fire departments to ramp up security in the district.

The partnership translates in part to more police officers patrolling schools, additional monitoring devices and restricted access to schools while class is in session.

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Superintendent Dr. Todd Nichols told the Falls News Press the district would also focus on "the identification of individuals who may be at risk for violent behavior.”

Given the comment, rumors circulated that Nichols intended to document the names of students who may be prone to violence. In an email to Patch on Monday, Nichols dispelled the claim. 

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He wrote:

Allow me to make one thing perfectly clear, the district is not creating a “list” of students who are at-risk to be active shooters...What has been discussed is a program sponsored by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy entitled Profile of an Active Shooter. Recently, training information, dates and locations were sent to all superintendents in Ohio from our Attorney General, Mike DeWine’s office. The training is sponsored by the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, not by the school system.

As a school system, we have a full contingent of mental health professionals who regularly assist any student/family who may be struggling. Teachers often serve as the first point of contact and refer students to our professionals for assistance and intervention. We will continue to serve our students and the families of this district in this way in an effort to provide support and guidance. 

Again, there is no “list” and we are not “profiling” children.

Cuyahoga Falls Police Capt. Jack Davis reiterated Nichols' comments, but said the district's staff would undergo training to identify "red flags" that could help in preventing emergency situations.


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