MADISON, Wis. — Over a month has passed since a 15-year-old female student killed another teenage student and a teacher, and injured six others during the Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS) shooting in Madison.
On Monday night, Wisconsin lawmakers and Madison community leaders gathered at the Monona Public Library to share their thoughts and ideas regarding school safety and the need for community resources.
Dozens of students and teachers filled the library to share their opinions on what could be changed to make schools safer.
“We can create a future that we want to see our kids grow up in, wait, we are the kids,” said Aviel Mack, a senior at Madison West High School.“We can create a future that we want to see our kids grow up in, wait, we are the kids,” said Aviel Mack, a senior at Madison West High School. “Can we grow up first or are you going to shoot us down too?”
Many other Madison West High School students shared their feelings about what had happened and how the community can move forward.
“We need more mental health workers in schools,” said one Madison West High School student. “We need more secure and trained staff and security.”
Many of the community members who spoke said they would like to see more of a focus on mental health resources in schools.
Others wanted to see metal detectors installed or School Resource Officers hired.
It seemed everyone at the meeting felt something needed to be done to make schools safer.
“One thing I want more of is more active shooter training inside the schools and for these kids to take it seriously,” said Vernon Brown, who works as a security guard at the Verona Area School District.
Rep. Shelia Stubbs and Sen. Kelda Roys hosted the event.
Local police, fire and area school districts leaders all listened and took notes with the intention of making Madison a safer place.
“People from all different levels of government who are standing up and earnestly wanting to hear from you all and be the collaborators and weave together the answers and solve this problem,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “A community that is not going to accept this as the status quo.”