Oklahoma educators react to Connecticut massacre

Most school districts have partnerships with local law enforcement, fire departments and sheriff's offices, said Kathleen Kennedy of the Oklahoma School Public Relations Association and a spokeswoman for Oklahoma City Public Schools.

For example, Oklahoma City Public Schools has partnerships with the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma County sheriff's office, Kennedy said.

Edmond Public Schools partners with the Edmond Police Department and the sheriff's office, as well, spokeswoman Susan Parks-Schlepp said. Edmond schools practice lockdown drills once a semester, she said.

The community must also be alert, Tulsa Superintendent Keith Ballard said in a statement.

“This event underscores the importance of being ever vigilant and being aware of any unusual or suspect behavior and reporting it to police immediately,” Ballard said.

Tulsa Public Schools, the school district's police officers and the Tulsa Police Department train often, and protocols for a variety of emergencies are in place, Ballard said.

“It is the top priority of all principals and site administrators to maintain a safe learning environment,” he said, “and we will do everything in our power to ensure our children and staff remain safe.”