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The May 24 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 students and two teachers dead has impacted Franklin City Public Schools’ security policy.

A school division press release stated that in a May 25 letter to FCPS families, division Superintendent Dr. Tamara Sterling stated, “Like you, we are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas on Tuesday. We share in the heartbreak we are all feeling for the families who have lost a loved one due to this senseless act of violence. In Franklin, we have experienced senseless violence against our own students and are praying for everyone’s speedy recovery.

“We are collaboratively working with the city manager and the Franklin City Police Department to ensure that there will be an increased presence in and around the buildings for the remainder of this week,” she added.

Further, school visitors must provide photo identification when entering the buildings. School officials will use a metal detector or wand to scan visitors. 

Sterling acknowledged that children and teens will process the news from Texas in different ways. 

“Counselors are available at each of our school buildings to assist students who may need some extra support,” she stated, noting that the division strongly encourages any students to stop by their school’s counseling office at any time.

“The safety of our children is our highest priority, and we will continue to be relentless in keeping our children safe,” Sterling wrote. “Please join us in keeping the students, staff and families of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in our thoughts at this time.”