MCPS Talks School Safety, Reacts to Perry Hall High Shooting

Montgomery County school officials said Monday they were taking security seriously on the first day of school and in the wake of a shooting at a high school in Perry Hall, MD, that was visited less than a week ago by Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

in the back at  on the first day of school.

The victim was airlifted to a local shock trauma center in serious condition, Baltimore County police told Patch.

» See what people are saying on social media. Follow Perry Hall Patch on Twitter for live updates.

In Montgomery County, public school information director Dana Tofig said officials were focusing on security but there were not "immediate implications" for the county.

"We take security very seriously," he said. "Our thoughts are with the family" of the victim outside Baltimore.

Montgomery County schools do not have metal detectors.

"We have security staff at all Montgomery County high schools and middle schools and keep a good relationship with police," Tofig said.

"We believe in creating a good environment. We really, really try to create an evironment where students feel comfortable enough to talk to a teacher or school official" if they hear or see anything that might be considered a security threat, he said.

He said school officials believe that is the best way to create a secure environment.

At Perry Hall High, a school resource officer was present and two teachers were able to overpower the gunman, officials said.

Duncan , urging higher pay for teachers.