LA schools react to tragic South Florida school shooting

LOS ANGELES, CA (FOX 11) - LAUSD issued a statement in response to the Florida massacre expressing shock and anger trying to reassure parents. Saying in part:

"We continue to work with the Los Angeles school police department, along with public safety and Mental health agencies, to ensure planning preparation and response to incidents that may affect safety."

This, as LAUSD is dealing with fallout from the shooting at Sal Castro Middle School two weeks ago. The union that represents the district police force has expressed concern over staffing. According to the union, just 380 officers are responsible for patrolling 1100 sites. The LASPOA Union Vice President, LAPD Detective Rudy Perez had this to say to our Hal Eisner Monday:

At Granada Hills Charter School--with more than 4,200 students--is the largest charter high school in the nation. Students and parents here reacted to news of the deadly school shooting in Florida. While we wondered exactly how safe our schools are here in Los Angeles.

"it's just very sad that it goes on...I don't want to instill fear in him. You don't want to live in fear," said GHC Parent Luther Kahra.

RELATED: Broward Sheriff: 17 dead in South Florida school shooting

But fear along with sadness and anger was ever present on the minds of these young students as word spread across campus that 17 people were killed during a school shooting in Florida.

"It's pretty scary, knowing that you're supposed to be in a safe place and that could happen," said GHC Freshman Sebastian Jimenez.

At Granada Hills Charter, school officials say they have protocols in place to protect students including random searches contracting with LAUSD to employ an armed officer during school hours and half a dozen active shooter drills a year.

"In case the shooter comes in we look all the doors and stay away from the windows so we don't get harmed," said GHC 11th Grader Camila Restrepo.

RELATED: Florida school shooting suspect made 'disturbing' social media posts

"We've lost up to 24 officers and four are on their way out," said Perez.

Can you tell parents today that their kids are safe on campus? Asked Hal Eisner, Perez answered, " I can tell parents today that their kids are safe but they're very, very vulnerable."