Security Enhancements at John F. Kennedy High School: A Parent’s Perspective

By Adam Pagnucco

In an ongoing effort to address safety concerns at John F. Kennedy High School (JFK HS), the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has outlined several security enhancements in response to a recent safety and security assessment. The president of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), Ricky Ribeiro, has provided insights into these initiatives, expressing both support and skepticism regarding their effectiveness.

Overview of Security Enhancements

MCPS has announced a comprehensive security plan that includes:

• Installation of 52 new security cameras and 16 Automatic Card System (ACS) readers by March 2025.
• Installation of vape sensors in all student restrooms starting from February 2025, with completion expected by April 2025.
• Assignment of temporary part-time security staff, which will remain in place until June 2025.

The total investment for these measures is estimated at $400,000, excluding the costs associated with the vape sensor installation, which is funded separately.

Community Reactions and Concerns

While Ribeiro acknowledges that some progress has been made, he also raises significant concerns about MCPS’s overall response and execution of the security measures. In regards to the vape sensors, Ribeiro indicates a lack of transparency and clarity about operational procedures, despite assurances from Chief Jones during meetings. He points out that previous pilot tests of the sensors showed mixed results, with many false positives and no clear evidence of reduced student vaping.

Ongoing Staffing Issues

According to Ribeiro, out of the three promised temporary part-time security staff members, only three have been hired, leaving one position unfilled. This staffing gap raises questions about the effectiveness of the additional safety measures that parents and the community were led to believe would enhance security.

Addressing Student Identification Protocols

MCPS is also working on reinforcing student identification protocols at school entrances. However, Ribeiro notes that students have raised doubts about the effectiveness of these measures based on their recent community meeting discussions. He questions whether any significant changes have been implemented and what the quality of those changes is.

Improving Security Practices

Further, MCPS is in the process of refining security practices based on findings from the safety assessment. Ribeiro admits to not having close access to monitor these refinements and mentions that feedback from teachers suggests little has changed in terms of lasting security improvements.

Oversight and Management Concerns

Ribeiro also brings attention to the oversight of Kennedy’s security team. He asserts that after a brief period of enhanced oversight following a lockdown incident on January 23, 2025, the responsibility reverted back to school-based leadership, which he believes compromises the safety of the school environment.

Student Well-being Initiatives

MCPS plans to enhance the approach of the Student Well-being team in supporting students involved with drugs while fostering connections with the wellness center. Ribeiro expresses skepticism regarding the clarity and communication surrounding these services, questioning their effectiveness and the inter-agency collaboration with external wellness organizations.

Lack of Urgency in Addressing Security Issues

In response to the question of whether he believes MCPS’s response to security issues has been timely and acceptable, Ribeiro firmly states no. He describes the efforts as slow and lacking urgency, emphasizing that meaningful answers and action have been missing despite numerous discussions about safety.

Audit and Response Actions

The audit commissioned by MCPS was meant to provide clarity and action plans, but Ribeiro indicates that subsequent safety incidents at JFK have raised concerns about the school’s responsiveness. He highlights that another audit by Chief Jones and Damon Monteleone reaffirmed earlier findings, yet he is critical of the necessity for a third audit, suggesting that the existing documented vulnerabilities have yet to be adequately addressed.

Escalation of Safety Concerns

Ribeiro has taken steps to escalate safety concerns up the MCPS command chain, engaging directly with Dr. Taylor and several Board of Education (BOE) members. As a parent volunteer and advocate, he expresses frustration over what he perceives as a lack of commitment from MCPS in prioritizing the safety and well-being of students and staff at Kennedy HS.

Conclusion

The safety enhancements at JFK HS represent a significant financial investment and a concerted effort by MCPS to address rising concerns. However, the lingering doubts from the parent community, represented by Ribeiro, highlight the complexities and challenges of effectively managing school safety. It remains critical for MCPS to ensure that all stakeholders—students, parents, and staff—are involved in the safety dialogue, fostering transparency and a collaborative approach to security solutions.