Denver Public Schools announced Wednesday that more uniformed officers will be present across the district through the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
The announcement comes a day after an 18-year-old shooter opened fire at an elementary school killing 19 children and 2 adults in Uvalde, TX.
The increased security focus will be on elementary schools, DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero said in a voicemail that went out to district parents Wednesday morning.
"We will remain vigilant while we continue to deal with this abnormal normal of school shootings," Marrero said.
DPS said in a statement that the district has policies and procedures in place meant to keep students safe. The district also said it will provide counseling and mental health support to students and parents in need.
"We have a robust safety team that partners with emergency responders on a daily basis to ensure the safety of our school communities. Our school leaders have organized, systematic emergency plans for their buildings which are certified each year by the Dept. of Safety," the district said in a statement. "Additionally, our schools conduct all-school emergency drills observed by Dept. of Safety officers to ensure all students and staff are responding in a safe and timely manner."
The Uvalde shooting is the deadliest school shooting since 20 children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn. in 2012, the Associated Press reports.
The last day of school for DPS is June 3.
