Aiken County School Board Focuses on School Safety Improvements
Aiken, S.C. – The Aiken County School Board is on a mission to enhance safety in schools throughout the region, and their latest meeting highlighted a significant step forward. On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved five consent items, including a pivotal plan aimed at boosting security measures in the county’s schools.
Commitment to Safety
Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy, who is committed to prioritizing school safety, expressed enthusiasm about this new initiative. “One of my focuses here as Superintendent is school safety,” he stated. “So, this is just another tangible effort for me to look at our buildings and figure out a better way to keep our kids safe.” This proactive approach showcases the school board’s determination to protect students and staff alike.
Grant Application for Safety Upgrades
One of the key components of the school board’s plan is to submit an application for the School Safety Priority Funds Grant from the South Carolina Department of Education. If awarded, this grant could bring in a total of $250,000 specifically to install security vestibules at two schools: the East Aiken School of the Arts and Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School.
So, what exactly is a security vestibule? Think of it as a second layer of protection for the school buildings. Murphy explained, “It’s sort of a stop-gap measure, it’s another set of doors. So, you can have the guest come into the building, but then we’ll actually get a chance to take a look at them there in that one area that is separate from the rest of the school.” This means that before visitors can access the main areas of the school, they will have to pass through this controlled space where staff can vet who is allowed inside.
Addressing Past Concerns
This initiative comes after past safety concerns at East Aiken, where a bomb threat caused quite a stir last year. Though Murphy reassured the community that these vestibules would not directly impact situations like a bomb threat, they would provide an added layer of security to deter potential intruders. “If we were to have a bomb threat we’re going to evacuate the buildings – so they’re going to go out to the closest exit,” he said. “But if someone was trying to gain access to the front of the school, we would have a chance to say no – you’re not going to come in here, even though you got past the front door.” This insight gives parents and students a sense of reassurance knowing that the administration is taking their safety seriously.
Financial Benefits
Should the grant be awarded, the funding will be distributed with $130,000 going to East Aiken and $120,000 to Oakwood-Windsor. Murphy underscored the significance of this funding, stating, “School districts, of course, we don’t have money to necessarily improve our schools—we can maintain our schools. But when it comes to improving, we have to find pots of money.” The opportunity to apply for this grant is viewed as a valuable chance to enhance school security without burdening the district’s budget.
Future Plans for Security Enhancements
Excitingly, Murphy noted that security vestibules are already in four other schools within the district, and the plan is to ultimately have them at every school around Aiken County. While there isn’t a concrete timeline for these installations, he estimated that securing the funds and completing the installation could take between nine to twelve months.
As the Aiken County School Board moves forward with their plans, it’s evident that they are dedicated to not just maintaining, but actively improving, the safety and security of their schools. With the support of grants and the community, the future looks bright for added protection in local schools.
