Milford School District recently announced changes to safety protocols at sporting events
In an effort to protect students and spectators, Milford School District announced changes to their safety protocols at all sporting events. Some of the protocols are new while others have been in place for a few years.
“We are committed to making our community events a positive and safe experience for all,” Trish Gerken, Public Information Officer, said. “This year, in addition to increasing police and school constable presence at our events, we will be strictly enforcing additional safety measures.”
Effective with the start of school, no bags, strollers or umbrellas are permitted in Briggs Stadium. Elementary and Middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No outside food or beverage are permitted, and all tickets must be purchased prior to the game using the GoFan System. The online ticket purchase requirement has been in place for several years yet met with complaints from community members when the new protocols were announced.
“So basically, no babies since they can’t have a bag nor a stroller. So no more making memories with siblings,” Brooke Bunting commented when the information was released on social media. “Oh, and that old couple that doesn’t use cellphones can’t continue their tradition of going to their local football game.”
Ty Wilkerson commented that he was glad he grew up in an era when he could go to a football game as a middle schooler without his parents. Ta’Quila Lovett Anderson has a son playing football but also has four younger children, one only 11 months old. She was upset that her youngest would no longer be able to come to a game as he weighed 24 pounds and needed a stroller as well as a diaper bag. Milford School Board Vice-President Matt Bucher attempted to provide more information to those who were upset about the changes.
“To those unhappy about the upgraded security procedures, the real culprits are the relatively few but nonetheless present individuals which may engage in antisocial pursuits, such as drug or firearm possession, smuggling contraband, etc.,” Bucher said. “I readily admit some of these procedures are inconveniences, including to me. Nonetheless, I applaud the administration, principals, SROs, constables and our great Milford Police Department for their plan to maintain order and safety at our public events.”
Bucher continued.
“It was I, and other board members, who have given them this directive, and I personally campaigned on the issue of safety and security and I, for one, stand by them and their efforts,” Bucher said. “We will protect children; we will protect the community when they’re on district property, full stop. If we, by these efforts, which very well may be revised, updated or strengthened, can help us avoid the chaos we’ve seen at other Delaware public school districts, then I support them and make no apologies for doing so.”
Bucher was not alone in his sentiments.
“At some point we need to realize that the administration is doing the best they can for our children and the way we are reacting isn’t promoting change,” Crystal Southard said.
Bri Cahall reminded everyone that the district was simply trying to protect the children to avoid the tragic losses other districts have seen. Emily Coverdale felt that the district was doing the right thing by being proactive rather than reactive.
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