Voting, active shooter training take place at the same time at Kettering school

Two very different activities were taking place at the same time at JFK Elementary in Kettering, voting and active shooter training.

JFK Elementary on Polen Drive in Kettering serves as a polling location during elections and today on the other side of the building, Kettering police and the city’s school district also were taking part in active shooter training.

"We try to make it as real as possible,” Officer Joe Ferrell with Kettering police said. "We can expect more from older kids. But, with our younger children, you're really going to have to help them. It could be a serious situation."

Additional personnel were brought in to make sure the active shooter training didn’t interfere with Tuesday’s election.

“It truly is accidental to be honest.  We have closed all of our buildings today because of the election,” Kettering Superintendent Scott Inskeep said.  “We feel that it will not compromise either situation.”

Kettering Schools Superintendent Scott Inskeep said the district had already cancelled classes across the district for professional development for teachers and staff.

A Kettering resident this news outlet spoke to at the school said the scheduling on both elections and active shooter training was different, but supported the decision.

“I think it is kind of strange, but at the same time if the whole building is going to be closed for the polls, it's just making efficient use of the time,” said Patrick Pruzzo, a Kettering resident.

The training took place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and polls will remain open until 7:30 p.m.

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