Editor, The Smithfield Times:

In March, a coworker announced to our department that there had been a school shooting in Nashville, Tennessee. I immediately Googled the information. My heart stopped. Six people had died, three of them were small children. 

As I drove to pick my daughter up from school that day, I cried. Three sets of parents in Tennessee would not be able to do the same. From that day on, our drop-offs were slower. Our hugs and kisses were longer. Every day, I drove away wondering if I’d be able to see my daughter again. 

I hope that one day, parents do not have to fear sending their children to school. Our children are our greatest blessings, which is why it is so important for the Isle of Wight school district staff, teachers and board members to be trained and ready to handle such threats with optimal safety measures. 

I was thrilled to discover that Mr. Timothy Mallory decided to run for Isle of Wight County School Board, Second District. Tim has over 20 years of experience in public education, protecting students, teachers and staff. He is the director of public safety and security services for Norfolk Public Schools. He is an Air Force veteran and a former police officer. 

Mr. Mallory is the president-elect of National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officials. He was the project director for the Secure Our Schools, Readiness and Emergency Management and Virginia School Security Equipment grants. Mr. Mallory is also a certified instructor for school threat assessments and Virginia School Security Officer (SSO) training.

Mr. Mallory would be a great asset to our school system. I have no doubt that he will keep our children safe as the next school board member for Isle of Wight County, District 2.

 

Caitlin McNiece

Carrollton