Local school district providing 'lockdown buckets' for classrooms

BROCKTON, Mass. — A hammer, rope and duct tape. Those are some of the back-to-school supplies each classroom in Brockton will have in what administrators are calling a "lockdown bucket."

After countless school shootings across the country, Brockton Public Schools partnered with the police department to create a training video for staff, and now, additional tools are being added to their toolbox.

"We're a district that is progressive and we're paying attention to what is happening around the country," said Superintendent Kathleen Smith.

Smith says in order to focus on education, teachers and students need to feel safe in their classroom.

"It is the reality and I don't think there is a parent out there, a superintendent, a community that wouldn't take a look at something like this and really give it some thought," said Smith.

The school district partnered with Lowe's to provide staff with supplies should they be in a situation where they either need to barricade the doors, break open a window to get out and run, or in the worst-case scenario, fight back.

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"I hope we never have to use these," said Smith.

Another cheap, but effective safety feature added in all the classrooms is a quick locking system.

Deputy superintendent Mike Thomas says the district is constantly learning and making sure its schools are ready, just in case.

"Obviously the problem is not going away and just because it's in the rear view mirror, we have to stay proactive. We're always thinking of things to keep schools safe."

Staff members will be given these buckets next Tuesday when they return to school. Administrators will continuously work with them to determine what other essential items can be added to ensure classroom safety.

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