Sandy Hook tragedy prompts changes at local schools

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Some Rio Rancho Elementary schools are doing major overhauls of their security procedures in the wake of the Sandy Hook School tragedy and that means big changes in what parents can and can’t do.

“I used to walk her all the way in to her classroom and leave her once the teacher acknowledged me, and I would pick her up right her in the hallway so I knew exactly when she was coming out,” said Cheryl Montoya, parent of 2nd grader Sabrina. 

That won’t happen anymore.

At Puesta Del Sol in Rio Rancho, like many schools in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, things are changing: No more walking kids to class.

Students have to be dropped off at the gate or front door, and parents have to wait outside in order to pick up their kids.

Some parents say the changes are overdue.

“Part of the reason I felt like I needed to walk my daughter all the way to class…is the number of people coming and going on campus,” Montoya said. “I don't know all these people; I don't see how the teachers could know all these people. So it does make me feel safer.”

Parents received a letter with a laundry list of new rules meant to beef up security starting this week. 

“Events like Sandy Hook help us reflect on the kinds of changes that need to be made on a consistent basis,” said Puesta Del Sol Principal Bryan Gardcia. “We've integrated that type of event into our safety protocol.”

The latest changes are just the start. The school is considering adding more security cameras, changing from chain link fences to something more like a wall, and adding a glass barrier at the entrance of the building to help prevent unwanted intruders. 

“We feel stronger about the events that have taken place and how this campus can be susceptible to those kinds of situations,” Garcia said.

“He's very dedicated to the safety of his students and we understand that,” said Barry Bruno, a father of twins in fourth grade. “Is it inconvenient for us at times? Yeah. But it's for our children's safety, so we can't argue with that.”

Other Rio Rancho elementary schools have adopted similar changes, but it’s not a district-wide policy.

In Albuquerque Public School’s 92 elementary schools, a parent has to sign in at the front office if they are going to be on campus.