Education officials formulate terrorism plans

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Schools could present a relatively easy target for terrorists, and Oklahoma education officials are trying to formulate polices to protect them. <br><br>Gayle Jones, safe and drug-free

Monday, March 3rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Schools could present a relatively easy target for terrorists, and Oklahoma education officials are trying to formulate polices to protect them.

Gayle Jones, safe and drug-free schools coordinator for the state Education Department, said terrorism in schools is virtually uncharted territory.

``We've been dealing with substance abuse and violence,'' Jones said. ``This is a different topic we are having to tackle now.

``We're right on target and trying to get accurate information and nonthreatening information out to the schools, as soon as we find a thorough way to do that.''

Ken Trump, president of the National School Safety and Security Services, said schools are the perfect target for terrorists.

``Schools fit the definition of soft targets because they lack a high level of security and emergency preparedness, especially in comparison to other public facilities,'' Trump said. ``If a terrorist wanted to strike at the heart of America, they would strike at its children.''

In a nationwide survey of more than 650 campus police officers, 95 percent said their schools are vulnerable to a terrorist attack. Seventy-nine percent said their districts are not adequately prepared to respond to an attack.

In October, The Washington Times cited U.S. intelligence agency reports that terrorists are targeting American schools from elementary to the university level. The newspaper noted that some officials questioned the report's validity.

The state Education Department's guide, which is issued to school administrators statewide, does not include any reference to bioterrorism or chemical attacks. Jones said she hopes an updated guide will be available in schools by April.

Sherry Fair, spokeswoman for Oklahoma City schools, said the district is examining its safe schools plan and collecting information on emergency preparedness for bioterrorism.

Norman schools Assistant Superintendent Dick Schiller said the district's bioterrorism plan calls for students to go to an interior room, shut off all heating and air units and wait for an all-clear signal.