After Rampage in Graz: Expert Panel Develops Security Concept for Schools

The committee met for the first time on June 13. Both structural and psychological measures were discussed, as Education City Councillor Kurt Hohensinner (ÖVP) announced on Tuesday. According to Education Councillor Stefan Hermann (FPÖ), mobile classrooms will be available at BORG Dreierschützengasse starting Monday.

"This tragic event marks a turning point - for the school system in Graz, but also in all of Austria," emphasized Education City Councillor Hohensinner in a statement on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, 100 percent security will never exist. However, our goal must now be to noticeably and sustainably increase security with various measures," as Hohensinner emphasized. "On one hand, we need structural measures and more prevention. On the other hand, we also need clear, practiced responses to dangerous situations," said the city politician. This applies to both the compulsory school sector and higher schools, which is why the expert panel was deliberately initiated together with the Education Directorate.

After Graz Rampage: First Agenda Created

The meeting of Styrian experts from the school and security sectors, emergency services, and planners has led to a first agenda, according to Hohensinner's office. For example, expanded locking systems, as already established in municipal childcare facilities, were discussed. Also mentioned were secure retreat rooms in school buildings, which are structurally or whose doors are particularly protected and also equipped with emergency materials such as first aid kits. Furthermore, the experts suggested securing school properties and sensitive interior spaces.

In the conversation on Friday, the increase in school social work to provide resources for all schools in the city area was also a topic. The need for more school psychologists and the expansion and stronger cooperation with police prevention officers were also mentioned. Internal warning systems via loudspeaker or app, as well as mandatory crisis and emergency drills similar to fire drills, were also discussed.

Further Work Meeting During Summer Holidays

During the summer holidays, there is to be another meeting of an extended panel of experts. "First visible measures should already be implemented in the coming school year," Hohensinner addressed the urgency of concrete implementation. Starting next Monday, students of the BORG can return to the building - at least those who want to return, emphasized Styria's regional education councilor Stefan Hermann: "It is important to slowly reacquaint oneself with the school," he said in an APA interview on Tuesday. Those who do not want to return to the school building yet will have the opportunity for supervision in six mobile classrooms. These "container classes" will be set up on the school grounds and serve as replacement rooms.

Students who do not yet feel well enough to enter the school grounds will likely be supervised in a seminar room in the neighboring Smart City or possibly in the Helmut List Hall starting Monday, Hermann explained. All those who cannot return to school supervision at all may present an excuse for their absence. Thus, starting Monday, there are four options available for students to choose from. Over the extended weekend, the young people are networking with each other - no one will be left behind. Even those who have not sought supervision in the List Hall so far, but have coped with their grief at home, will be included, emphasized the regional education councilor.

Renaming of the School in Graz is Under Consideration

Hermann confirmed that there will be renovation measures for the school and a small memorial is also being considered. A renaming of the school is also under consideration but has not yet been decided. Both teaching staff and students are involved in the considerations. What exactly will be done is up to the school. The regional councilor explained in the APA interview that an amok exercise had taken place at the BORG about two weeks before the rampage. This was completed according to the crisis plans presented by the education directorate: "That was absolutely right," said Hermann and could have saved lives.

Regarding possible future security measures, Hermann stated that one must proceed with caution. He could hardly imagine implementing sluices like those at court in practice. He also considers a complete lockdown of schools to be incorrect: "The school should be a place of development," he said.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.