Arrow-right Camera

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Hospitals more secure

It would seem that our local hospitals have stronger security systems than our schools. Hospitals have panic buttons to automatically dial for help. My local school does not have panic buttons at all points of entry (like the front offices) that automatically dial 911 for help. Such a button could also call the Code 2, which alerts all of danger in the event the principal or staff is not able to do so.

At our local hospitals, we have doors that are on magnets. When there is a report of a fire, all doors automatically shut and cordon off the hospital. If such technologies were installed, teachers could spend their time protecting and hiding children, rather than shutting and locking. This would also help limit access to the entire school if someone had entered to harm.

I plan to attend the next board meetings and parent/teacher/student organization, and am sure a lot comes down to resources. I believe you would see amazing participation in fundraising by parents. Why raise money for books, if we cannot ensure that are children are safe when reading?

You all do a great job. Just a time to improve.

Shannon Armstrong

Spokane

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

  • No more than 250 words
  • We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
  • We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
  • With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
  • The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form
Submit your letter here
Mail
Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Fax
(509) 459-5098

Read more about how we crafted our Letters to the Editor policy