| Testimony | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Testimony--Steven Forte--JCPS Hearing on School Security--11-1-24
The impact of the Sandy Hook tragedy resonated deeply with my family,...'
The impact of the Sandy Hook tragedy resonated deeply with my family,...'
Security Testimony November 1, 2024
Dr. Steven A. Forte, Superintendent of the Denville Township Public Schools
Dr. Steven A. Forte, Superintendent of the Denville Township Public Schools
The impact of the Sandy Hook tragedy resonated deeply with my family, especially with
my son, Anthony, who was just eight years old at the time. I still remember the fear and disbelief
in his eyes as he watched a news report about the shooting that claimed the lives of elementary
school children in Connecticut. It was a horrifying moment, one that compelled me to think
about how we could do everything possible to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. My
daughter, Marissa, now 23, has always been passionate about education. After completing her
student teaching on 195th Street in the Bronx, she worked in two districts in New Jersey and now
teaches in A Coruña, Spain. When she first arrived, she asked the principal about safety drills,
but to her surprise, the principal didn’t grasp the severity of the question. Marissa had to clarify,
inquiring about the protocols for a potential shooter entering the school which was met with
disbelief by the principal.
In response to these concerns, we developed a comprehensive safety plan in Denville that
addressed eight crucial aspects of school safety, symbolized by a wheel where no single part was
more important than the others. One of the challenges we faced was combating the “It won’t
happen here” mentality, as well as the skepticism of those who believed that if comprehensive
solutions weren’t possible, then no action should be taken. Our plan prioritized the safety of staff
and students, emphasizing the importance of building trusting relationships between the police
and schools. We recognized the need for clear communication about our safety measures and
reinforced the significance of maintaining locked doors and the “see something, say something”
principle among students and staff.
Facilities and technology also played a pivotal role, with investments in locking systems,
vestibules, cameras, and constant monitoring of safety measures. Preparedness became essential,
requiring ongoing professional development, drills, and frequent discussions about our strategies.
Behavioral health was equally important, leading us to establish threat assessment teams and
counseling services in collaboration with St. Clare’s Behavioral Health, all while prioritizing
mental health awareness. To bolster security, we employed a range of personnel, including
security guards and Class Three Police Officers.
my son, Anthony, who was just eight years old at the time. I still remember the fear and disbelief
in his eyes as he watched a news report about the shooting that claimed the lives of elementary
school children in Connecticut. It was a horrifying moment, one that compelled me to think
about how we could do everything possible to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. My
daughter, Marissa, now 23, has always been passionate about education. After completing her
student teaching on 195th Street in the Bronx, she worked in two districts in New Jersey and now
teaches in A Coruña, Spain. When she first arrived, she asked the principal about safety drills,
but to her surprise, the principal didn’t grasp the severity of the question. Marissa had to clarify,
inquiring about the protocols for a potential shooter entering the school which was met with
disbelief by the principal.
In response to these concerns, we developed a comprehensive safety plan in Denville that
addressed eight crucial aspects of school safety, symbolized by a wheel where no single part was
more important than the others. One of the challenges we faced was combating the “It won’t
happen here” mentality, as well as the skepticism of those who believed that if comprehensive
solutions weren’t possible, then no action should be taken. Our plan prioritized the safety of staff
and students, emphasizing the importance of building trusting relationships between the police
and schools. We recognized the need for clear communication about our safety measures and
reinforced the significance of maintaining locked doors and the “see something, say something”
principle among students and staff.
Facilities and technology also played a pivotal role, with investments in locking systems,
vestibules, cameras, and constant monitoring of safety measures. Preparedness became essential,
requiring ongoing professional development, drills, and frequent discussions about our strategies.
Behavioral health was equally important, leading us to establish threat assessment teams and
counseling services in collaboration with St. Clare’s Behavioral Health, all while prioritizing
mental health awareness. To bolster security, we employed a range of personnel, including
security guards and Class Three Police Officers.
However, these advancements come with significant financial implications. For the
2024-25 school year, our recurring annual costs for security and mental health have risen to over
$520,000, a stark increase from just a few years ago. This figure represents 1.44% of our total
allowable tax levy increase. Since 2017, we have invested more than $3.5 million in security
measures, including facilities, technology, and personnel. Additionally, from 2021 onward, we
have allocated over $1 million to support our students’ mental health with in-house clinicians
and screenings, all aimed at fostering a safe and nurturing environment for our students.
{N.B.: For more information on Denville's security efforts, go to https://drive.google.com/file/d/11TChmkephejzGfoCFmx6FRFoFcjXmE91/view )
