Setting Proves to be Challenge in Crafting School Emergency Plan

MANSFIELD, MA — Town officials are hoping that new plans can help keep the students of the Mansfield schools safe in the event of an emergency.

Police Chief Ron Sellon, Fire Chief Neal Boldrighini, Superintendent of Schools Zeffro Gianetti, and Assistant Superintendent Teresa Murphy were at Wednesday’s night selectmen meeting to discuss an update to the school emergency response plan.

According to Sellon, police and fire plans have existed since 2008, but the new plans will now include the superintendent.

Noting the challenges in the campus-style layout of the public schools, Sellon said the group is putting together goals and steps to follow in the event of an emergency, with an emphasis on making it as simple as possible for educators.

“We’re acknowledging that we’re thrusting more and more on teachers and we need to keep the focus on what they’re supposed to do and what they’re there to do,” Sellon said. "We need to simplify the process so it doesn't detract from their ability to educate.”

Moving students from school to school shouldn’t be a problem. Boldrighini said the schools can be evacuated in three minutes.

“We’ve seen them move from one school to another and then move those people off campus. We know it can be done, but I think the key is we need to bring the educators into the world of public safety and make it as simple and efficient as we can for them,” Boldrighini said.

Gianetti said one of the points of the plan will be communication, especially for parents who will want to know where they can pick up their kids.

The board wished the four the best in crafting a new plan.

“The fact that you’re a campus style school system, from an educational standpoint, it’s more convenient but logistically we have 5,000 of our most precious assets within a few feet of each other. We can’t skimp on that. It’s too important. Nothing is perfect but you have to be ready,” Selectmen chairman Jess Aptowitz said.

A full plan is expected by the end of the school year.

Image: file photo