School reviews safety precautions

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WDTN) - Northridge City Schools are reviewing its policies and procedures following a recent assault of one of its students.

Police said two men, Myron Cribbs, 19, and Joseph Anderson, 18, entered Northridge High and punched a boy while he was in study hall.

Cribbs and Anderson were arrested and are facing assault charges.

The assault has raised serious questions about school safety. 

"This is a very rare incident, but its one we take very seriously," said Superintendent David Jackson.

Jackson said the only way a visitor can enter the school is if they are "buzzed in" by an administrator.  Otherwise, all building doors are locked. 

"The men said they were family members and asked to speak with someone in the main office," said Jackson.  "They were allowed in, but never went to the office."

Jackson said the main office is around the corner from the building entrance.  Now, school officials are aware more than ever of the danger behind this particular corner despite having monitored security cameras throughout the inside and outside of the school.

"The corner causes administrators to lose sight of the guest once they direct them to the main office," said Jackson.  "We have discussed a short term resolution to this problem and plan to have either someone escort all guests to the main office front entrance or have the guests use a side entrance so they never leave the secretary's sight."

Jackson said the district is also exploring a more permanent option of redesigning the particular part of the building.

"Possibly in the future we are looking into putting a wall in so a visitor can only turn left into the attendance office or right, directly into the main office."

Jackson said they are seeking the maximum penalty for the female student.  Police said she helped arrange the attack.  The 17-year-old was arrested Tuesday.     

School officials are working closely with police and reviewing surveillance video of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.