Gordon Forgey

A good many people remember when their school blackboard was actually black. Then, the blackboard turned green.

Newer yet is the white board, no longer needing chalk, but special pens.

Now, the white board is evolving into more than just an instrument for writing. New versions of the white board are being manufactured as self-defense tools.

White boards, just large enough to hide behind, are being distributed at one university. They are made of bulletproof material and should protect the user in case a rampaging shooter attacks the school. Reportedly, the first school to acquire these are giving them to the faculty, not the students.

Also on the market are safety backpacks to help protect kids. They are made of bulletproof fabric. And, locally, Colfax is securing its schools thanks to a quarter million dollar special levy.

More dramatic, next year Spokane schools will have specially trained staff on each campus authorized to carry a Glock handgun.

These changes reflect the times and new threats. Just Tuesday, a school invasion by an armed gunman occurred in Atlanta, Georgia. Details are still coming in, but the intruder surrendered and no lives were lost.

The new threats are something to which we need to get accustomed, but they are not something we need to accept gladly. Preparation and caution are essential.

Yet, more threats against schools have been prevented because of vigilant students and cautious, aware adults than by exotic measures.

These are the first line of defense and may keep our kids from having to cower behind white boards.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher