Slain Principal Put in Place New Security Measures

One of the 27 people killed at a school in Connecticut today was principal Dawn Hochsprung, and CNN reports that she had ramped up security at Sandy Hook Elementary just a few months ago. The new procedure required visitors to ring a doorbell, wait to be buzzed inside, and then sign in at the school office. Anyone staff didn't recognize would have to show a photo ID.

"Please understand that with nearly 700 students and over 1,000 parents representing 500 SHS families, most parents will be asked to show identification," Hochsprung wrote to parents, asking for patience with any glitches. Hochsprung had been featured in a local newspaper profile of new principals in 2010, in which she spoke of raising two daughters and three stepdaughters and of being excited about Sandy Hook. "I don't think you could find a more positive place to bring students to every day," she said. (More Connecticut stories.)