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Elmsford School District students will see a larger police presence for the rest of the week: Mayor Robert Williams and Elmsford Commissioner of Police Frank Rescigno said police officers will patrol the school campuses for this week and for as long as needed.
"There's no end date set. They'll be here until people feel more comfortable," said Elmsford Schools Superintendent Barbara Peters.
Rescigno and Elmsford Chief of Police Stephen Foster also took a tour of the school grounds on Monday to assess the buildings' safety and how Elmsford could improve safety measures.
The main entrance is now the only entry point available for all school visitors. For Alice E. Grady and Carl L. Dixson, all visitors must be buzzed in by school administration. Alexander Hamilton has a security guard at its entrance.
On Monday morning, Elmsford school faculty also met to review safety procedures and discuss how to address student concerns following the tragedy. Peters is asking parents to have patience as the school attempts to address all their concerns.
"We've asked all counselors and trained personnel to remain available to talk to students as a result of these terrible events," Peters said.
The Edgemont School District will also be reviewing its current building procedures and emergency plans to identify any potential improvements. Edgemont Schools Superintendent Nancy Taddiken promised the Edgemont community that school faculty will be providing reassurance and a sense of stability to all students.
"As difficult as it is to try to fathom what occurred and why, all of us will do our best to put the needs of your children, our students, in the forefront during a season that should be filled with wonder and joy," Taddiken wrote in a letter to Edgemont district residents.
Taddiken also released a list of school psychologists and guidance counselors for parents and students to contact if they are concerned with security.
Greenburgh Central 7 Schools Superintendent Ronald Ross refused to comment on how the school district will handle parents and safety concerns.
BOCES Safety Coordinator Isabel Burk said schools should look into hiring a school resource officer for their campus. While security guards are helpful, there's no substitute for law enforcement, she said.
"I think more than ever, we need an SRO in every school building — at least part-time," Burk said. "If it were up to me, that would be the No. 1 choice on what schools can do to improve."
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