Open gates, easy access, and an unlocked door is not the security you expect to see after a tragedy like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary.
“With no one asking questions, wow,” Monte Alto Superintendent Donna Hilliard said.
Action 4 got the chance to visit Monte Alto Elementary School.
However, it took no effort to walk through the gym, the library, and through the campus. We even found an open classroom door.
According to Hilliard, they have three security guards and over 45 security cameras, and believes students on the campus are safe.
However, when we questioned her about the open gates and easy access to students on the Monte Alto Elementary School campus, Hilliard agreed that it was not safe enough.
According to Hilliard, she is looking for ways to improve the security at the elementary school.
She told Action 4 News that they recently asked the school board for additional security guards.
Adding to that, Hilliard also spoke to a Hidalgo County Sheriff’s deputy, offering Monte Alto schools as a site for mock drills.
Action 4 also asked the superintendent about taking elementary kids out of school without proper identification.
Hilliard admitted that at Monte Alto Elementary School, it happens.
"It’s not acceptable behavior after the tragedy on Friday,” said Hilliard. “We look at what we are doing as far as our security, we look at our emergency plan and make sure it's adequate. Obviously, training is required updating."
Hilliard said the district is also considering getting a new safety swipe card system, where each person receives a name tag at the front office.
She said they will continue to work on ways to improve the safety of the kids.
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