The following letter from Dr. Ian Roberts was sent to all Des Moines Public Schools employees in response to the tragic shooting at Perry High School on Thursday, January 4.

To the DMPS community:

Every school shooting is a tragedy and an event that happens all too often across our nation. But, when it happens so close to home, it is a stark reminder that such awful events aren’t something we only see on the news. They can happen anywhere.

We have been monitoring reports all day of this morning’s shooting at Perry High School. Our hearts go out to our colleagues at the Perry Community School District and to everyone in their community, in particular the families and friends of the victims. We have been in touch with leaders at the Perry school district to let them know that DMPS stands by and ready to help and support them in any way we can in the days and weeks ahead.

Des Moines Public Schools, like school districts across the state and around the country, make the safety and well-being of our students and staff a top priority. At DMPS, we maintain a 24/7/365 security presence throughout the district, which includes thousands of cameras and other technologies; an emergency radio system connected to local law enforcement; the design of our buildings to limit access and harden entrances; a close working relationship with the Des Moines Police Department; our own 15-person public safety staff; and much more. While today’s shooting in Perry was isolated, it is a reminder about why investments in these efforts are needed and continue to be enhanced.

School shootings, no matter where they happen, are always a concern for those of us who work in education, including our students and their families. Our counselors are available for students or staff who need a space to talk about their concerns about school violence. We know that talking with children about acts of violence can be difficult, for parents and teachers alike. The National Association of School Psychologists has information available on its web site; click here to “Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Teachers.”

I hope you will join me in keeping the Perry community in your hearts as they respond to and heal from today’s tragic event.

Sincerely,

Dr. Ian Roberts
Superintendent
Des Moines Public Schools