Our school policy is to have all the doors locked so no unknown people or persons can get in to do something they should not be doing, all visitors including students that show up after tardy bell rings are to report to the office.

TODD

Knowing the details now (locked only from the outside), I don't see why this one parent had such an issue with it. If the kid needs to get in, I don't know, maybe knock on the door?...

Anyway, I think you did the correct thing keeping this separate from the PTO.

Good job, and good luck,
PresidentJim

Thanks again to all for your support. Just to let everyone know the classroom doors are locked just from the outside. Everyone inside can get out, they would just need a key or knock to get back into class. Everything has worked out in regards to this issue. I'm just waiting for the next one (as long as it just pertains to the PTO!

that parent should address their concerns to the SCHOOL PRINICPAL.

it is NOT a pto matter, such school security issues, period. building issues / security/ door locking procedures are 100% domain of principal and superintendent

I agree, overall this issue is not one for the PTO, and if it was brought up during my meeting I would jump all over it with "That is a school or town decision and is not appropriate for this meeting. I would recommend that anyone interested in this topic to setup a meeting with the Principal to discuss it!"...

At the same time, I can see the worry that these kids are effectively "trapped" within any room within the school. So many things could happen. What if there was a fire? What if someone needed to go for medical help? What if someone pulled a weapon or started a fight?

Based on what I've read above it appears as though these children are locked within the classroom. That would be a cause for concern. On the other hand if the dorr is only locked from the outside then who gives a darn? Why would that be an issue? Some might say that if a room is locked from inside that the teacher would always be there to unlock it if need be. That sounds good, but everyone knows that there are times that the teacher needs to leave the room. If my child was locked within a room with no one there to unlock the door, well I would be concerned as well.

So, is it a PTO issue, no... But it sounds like it is an issue that must be dealt with.

Good luck,
PresidentJim

Just from my personal experience, it seems that there are a few parents who use the PTO as a vehicle for getting their message through to the right folks. It's an indirect path but it saves them the trouble of facing a conflict head on.

Rather than meeting directly with the principal or attending a school board meeting, which are two very intimidating forums for many people, they run in through a peer or group of peers via the PTO. They assume that, as fellow parents, you surely have the same concerns.

Even if your group doesn't take an official position, you are put in the middle-man position, carrying messages back and forth.

My response to these types of issues, whether addressed privately or within a PTO meeting, is to say, "That's an xyz issue. You should talk to Mr. Abc about that." I refuse to be put in the middle. We all know how messages can get skewed as they travel though people.