A man lights a candle in front of Risbergska School in Örebro on Tuesday evening after the school shooting that claimed eleven lives.
The department for education and labour market (UTB) held an emergency meeting Wednesday morning with department heads and the administration director.
Lars Wahlberg, who manages facilities and security at UTB, told Norran the department is deeply shocked by the Örebro tragedy.
– Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected, he says.
– Students will have classroom discussions to address their concerns, thoughts, and any fears, with content tailored to their age.
He said there's no increased threat to Skellefteå schools but emphasized that safety work and violence prevention remain top priorities.
Wahlberg says staff in preschools, schools, and adult education will be trained on how to handle active shooter situations.
Planning for the training started in January and will be done with the police and the Skellefteå Crime Prevention Council (FRIS).
– The goal is for all school staff to know how to act in risky, threatening, or dangerous situations, says Lars Wahlberg.
He pointed out that the municipality already has an action plan for violence and threats in schools and preschools. Local crisis plans also include prevention measures and physical security for school buildings.
The mass shooting in Örebro took place at a municipal adult education school. In some Swedish municipalities, security at adult education centres has been strengthened after the school shooting. In Halmstad, for example, security guards have been deployed at adult education institutions.
Wahlberg said Skellefteå has no plans for similar security reinforcements at this time.
– No, we have no plans to reinforce security in that way. We have a good collaboration with the police, and they work to create a sense of safety, he says.
Several Örebro schools went into lockdown during the police operation, where students and staff secure themselves in rooms or halls.
Asked if Skellefteå has similar procedures and if they're being reviewed, Wahlberg said:
– Yes, all school safety procedures are being reassessed. We have established routines, and they are documented in our policies, he says.
The Örebro shooting is also being discussed at Skellefteå’s International English School.
Principal Kristina Ekenstedt sent a message to parents, stressing the school’s focus on student safety.
She wrote, in part:
"We can assure you that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priority. We work preventively and follow clear routines and measures to create a safe and calm environment."
"Today, mentors will talk with their students to give them the opportunity to ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings in a way that makes them feel seen and supported."
Kristina Ekenstedt, principal at the Internationella Engelska Skolan.