School Safety Forum Coming To Avon Lake

AVON LAKE, OH — Following a tense few weeks after a Florida school shooting claimed the lives of 17 people, the Avon Lake City Schools will be hosting an open forum on safety. The session will be held Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Avon Lake High School LAKE Center, 175 Avon Belden Rd.

Members of the Avon Lake school staffs, members of the local police force and city representatives will be on-hand during the forum to answer questions about the district's safety plan. The officials will also be able to address concerns from parents during the meeting.

"We thank our community for its continued support. The Avon Lake City School District is an outstanding school system. One of the main factors in our success is the support of our community. This support is important in academics, extra-curricular activities, and co-curricular activities, but it is of the utmost importance when it comes to safety," the district said in an emailed statement. "Open lines of communication between students, parents, and the schools is the foundation to any safety plan. Working together will keep us all safer."

Seventeen people were shot to death and numerous others were injured during a Valentine's Day attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Expelled student Nikolas Cruz purchased his alleged murder weapon legally despite a history of contacts with authorities and bizarre behavior.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue for the Parkland, Florida," the Avon Lake Schools said.

Meanwhile, the issue of gun control has taken center stage both in national and statewide debates. Governor John Kasich recently came out in favor of some stricter gun control legislation, a 180 degree turn from his previous position.