Once again, our hearts are broken over the senseless school shooting in Parkland, Florida. With each act of violence comes the question, “What can we do to prevent the same thing happening here?” School administrators all over the country are evaluating their campus security plans and asking themselves, “What else can we do to protect our children, teachers, and parents?”

At Legacy Christian Academy, the safety and security of our students is our number one priority. That is why over a year ago, the Security Task Force was formed to evaluate our current security measures and recommend additional measures that could reasonably be adopted to enhance the physical and emotional safety of our community. Over the past year and a half, we have been methodically implementing the recommendations that were given by the security firm that conducted an assessment of our campus 2 years ago. Here are a few of the measures we've taken to enhance the safety and security of our campus:

  • Created “man-traps” at the entrance of the two classroom buildings that require visitors to be “buzzed in” twice.
  • Installed magnetic door locks on every outside door that limits access to the buildings to authorized cardholders only and alerts the staff when doors are propped open.
  • Installed shatter-proof film on all exterior doors and windows that prevents an intruder from breaking the glass to access the building.
  • Installed security cameras throughout the campus.
  • Appropriated funds to hire an armed security guard (currently taking applications).
  • Purchased AED for the athletics department and provided epi-pens for both campuses.

The task force is scheduled to meet soon to review additional security measures, including more fencing and improved lighting. As with last year, a significant amount of money from this year's Annual Fund is being dedicated to enhancing security. Thank you for helping us enhance the security of our campus through your giving.

Let me say that the most important and effective security measures we can take are vigilance and compliance. As we learned from the Parkland, FL shooting (as well as other school shootings) the assailant communicated his threats and ill-intentions beforehand. It's sad that those in authority ignored or overlooked reports from others that indicated the assailant was a threat to others. That's where a small, close-knit community like Legacy has an advantage over larger public schools. We may sometimes complain that everyone seems to be in each other's business, but when it comes to the safety of our children, aren't we glad that they are! Please be vigilant and report to your respective principal or dean of students real-time and online behavior that could threaten the welfare of others. Remember the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Being that village is part of our covenant partnership.

Also, please keep in mind that the greatest threat to the safety of our students is in the school parking lots and driveways where students are exposed to vehicular traffic. Please slow down!

The posted speed limit is 15 MPH. Sadly, we have as many adult drivers who violate this speed limit as student drivers. I implore you to be a positive role model to your children and others by obeying the posted speed limit. Our children thank you in advance for putting their safety ahead of your convenience.

Finally, speaking of vigilance, please make it a priority to attend the parent education program entitled, “Parenting and the Issue of Technology” presented by David Drake on Monday evening, March 5 in the LPAC. Please click on this link to review the topics to be addressed.

In my 37-year career in education, I have never been so concerned about the emotional and spiritual health of our students as I am now. Much of my concern revolves around our students' instant access to anything and everything online, “including the bad stuff,” as author Andy Crouch writes. David Drake's program will help you, as parents, arm yourselves with current and reliable information as you fight for the souls of your children.

With you in Christ,

Bill McGee


Legacy Christian Academy is Frisco's only Pre-K through 12 Christian school committed to educating students in a college preparatory environment balanced in academics, athletics, and fine arts–all within the context of a biblical worldview. For more information on Legacy, visit our admissions page.