PARKLAND, Fla. — On Thursday, Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie visited Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and spoke with students and staff members during a breakfast for first responders.
He says he knows many of the students are still experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues.
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Runcie said Thursday’s attendance was low since students were permitted to stay home to spend time with family and complete service projects.
The superintendent also acknowledged the security changes implemented at Marjory Stoneman Douglas and other schools in the district over the last year, like additional security cameras and resource officers at each school.
Runcie said he has talked to MSD parents during special meetings over the last few weeks about adding metal detectors. He said he will have an answer out about the possibility of implementing them in a few weeks.
He also spoke about people calling for his resignation following the tragedy.
“There’s nothing that I can do that will make 17 lives lost or 17 that were injured that will make that OK. That can never return those lives. I understand that anger and that frustration, but that position has to be that we identify and be very clear on what the issues are, what the opportunities are in which we can use to get better and learn from this tragedy,” said Runcie.
Runcie also says he is in favor of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal of having a Florida Supreme Court grand jury investigate school districts around the state.
