There are a myriad of talking heads on television regarding the Newtown, Conn., tragedy and discussing resolutions that range from stricter gun control to society remodeling.

I suggest the quickest and least expensive solution to increased security for children in schools is to install a “storeroom levered lockset” on each classroom door.

The lock requires a key — logically controlled by the teacher, maintenance persons and administration — to enter the room, yet the door is unlocked and allows free egress from the room by the teachers and students.

The levered lockset also meets ADA requirements for physically impaired individuals.

A retail price for each lockset is between $38 and $250. This is a necessary expense for security.

Every school system should advertise for bids from reputable locksmiths and complete the installation as soon as possible

Allen Caldwell

South Point

 

Putting police officers at schools may stop tragedies

The tragedy at the school in Newtown, Conn., was a painful and terrible happening that will stay with us the rest of our lives.

Our two schools in Ironton were built with every security device available — but so were the schools in Newtown.

I challenge our school board to do this one thing — add a police officer at each school with a cruiser parked in front of the building to demonstrate to any person bent on murdering our dear children and teachers they had better not try.

Is this asking too much of a price to pay? After all, haven’t law officers been provided for decades at sporting events?

Nick McMahon

Ironton