Public schools across the country have been tense this last month.

The Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida left 17 dead and launched a national discussion on school security and gun control.

Officials and activists have focused on ways to better safeguard school buildings, to prepare students on how to react in the event of the unthinkable and how to detect the warning signs of those who threaten others before they can act.

This climate impacted Lawrence County schools, where a number of students were arrested in the past few weeks after making threats at their individual schools.

Law enforcement and school officials are taking no chance and are enforcing a zero tolerance policy, considering each threat seriously and prosecuting those who engage in them.

Given these headlines, many parents and students want more information on what is being done to keep their school safe.

Next Tuesday, Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless will address a meeting of the Parent Teacher Organization at Fairland West Elementary at 7 p.m.

He will present a program on school security and student safety and discuss recent measures taken, while superintendent Roni Hayes will discuss the district’s plans to increase security and surveillance.

It is reassuring to the community to know these efforts are being made and this meeting will provide much needed information to families in the Fairland district.

We encourage all to attend and participate in this discussion.