Schools are closed today, with teachers and staff attending the NJEA convention. But the school buildings won't be empty.

Today and tomorrow, Springfield emergency services are holding emergency drills at the schools to train for scenarios involving active shooters.

Members of the public are advised that Springfield police officers are training in the buildings, and that residents should not be alarmed by the presence of emergency personnel.

"Public safety and the security of our children are of the utmost importance," Springfield Mayor Ziad Shehady said in a statement.  "It is vital that we are prepared in the event of any unfortunate circumstances and that we have a chance to critique and evaluate the working relationships of multiple agencies in order to identify areas were improvement is needed."

Earlier this year, Public Safety Director Richard Rosell said that he planned on strengthening the relationship between Springfield's public safety agencies and the schools. Efforts include this drill and assigning a police officer to act as a  schools resource officer.