With Howell Schools Open In Election, Police Took Extra Measures

HOWELL, NJ — As voters went to the polls on Tuesday for the 2018 midterm elections, parents in Howell Township were expressing concerns about having people coming and going freely from the schools while children were present.

In an era where school districts across the country are working to tighten access to protect students, the incongruity of being open for the election was stark. Parents expressed concerns on social media over the weekend and on Monday, expressing frustration that the schools were open on Election Day.

Howell Police Chief Andrew J. Kudrick Jr. said the police department took extra measures to make sure the anomaly in the schedule would not put students and staff at risk.

In a letter to his police officers that Kudrick shared on the department's Facebook page, he sought to reassure parents that the department had the situation under tight monitorying.

"Superintendent (Joseph) Isola had notified me several months ago when he realized this was going to be an issue," he wrote. "I assured him we would adequately handle it, and we did."

Police officers checked the school buildings late Monday and into Tuesday while they were closed to make sure there was nothing amiss. During the day, officers from day and evening shifts "provided visibility," and school officers were a clear presence. "Combined, we kept everyone safe without any issues."

"I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you who were responsible for ensuring the safety of the voters, election officials, students and staff," Kudrick said.

Having schools open during elections has been a contentious issue for many districts going back years, but with the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012 and the Feb. 14 massacre at Marjory Stoneham Douglass High School in Parkland, Florida, have parents and staff demanding more strict measures to control building access.

"Yesterday was unique as schools were open during voting for a very contentious election. This posed quite a security challenge for us and school administration," Kudrick wrote. "Parents were definitely and rightfully concerned."

"Each of your actions could have influenced someone not to offend," the chief said to his officers. "One may never know. But what we do know is that our presence was very well received by our community. They felt safe."

Photo via Howell Township Police