SuccessTech Academy Shooting and Student Security Plans

A 12th grade student who witnessed the shooting at SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland gave statements regarding the shooter. In a telephone interview this Thursday, the student said she spoke often with the male who shot four before turning the gun on himself, and he was extremely smart.

The student also reported that the shooter was often teased because of his style and the way he acted. Cleveland's CEO Eugene Sanders sent telephone recordings out to all parents of the district stating that new security plans are being developed, as far as the dis trout survivors go, special services will be available at four public recreation centers.

President and founder of the Kaliph Institute, Maurice Reynolds, was outraged by the entire situation. I spoke personally with the dynamic community leader to ask what he thinks should be done to discourage further occurrences.

Mr. Reynolds brought up four of what he calls essential factors:

* Factor one, we need to listen to the children more; children have a huge influence on other children, they know how to stop this from happening.

* Factor two, the children must have greater opportunities to share information with each other, professionals are needed to carefully monitor interaction.

* Factor Three, we must improve the image of instructors, teachers, and leaders.

* Factor four, the teachers also, must have greater opportunities to share information with each other.

Mr. Reynolds believes he has the solution to many of the problems concerning behavior and school climate; he has taken many proposals to the district over the years and somehow they always end up at the bottom of a huge pile, having no impact. When asked where his confidence comes from, Mr. Reynolds pointed out several aspects that would lead a person to believe, he is a suitable candidate to consider.

He is a special education graduate from a prestigious local college, over 10 years urban non-profit experience, grass-root community organizer and experience in leading administrative roles. Going back to his college basketball days, Mr. Reynolds added, "the ball is in my court, they have to give me a shot before it is over and done."

Over and done referring to a system malfunction that will break down the entire education industry and cause great disparities among Americans through a process similar to that of natural selection. Giving me a shot, involving the changes Mr. Reynolds will foster to maintain the momentum of civilized education in Cleveland, and abroad.

Like it or not, it is a natural born, human instinct to protect yourself and your love ones. When human instinct kicks in, will that be the end of the current educational system?