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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Washington County Commission has voted unanimously to allocate $2 million from next year’s budget to bolster security across the county’s school system, marking a significant step forward in ongoing efforts to protect students and staff.
The funding will be used to complete the second phase of Washington County Schools’ comprehensive security improvement plan which will focus on increased protection at entrances to elementary and middle school buildings.
The first phase of the district’s security upgrades involved the installation of secure vestibules at the two county high schools. The newly approved funds will allow similar safety features to be added to all K-8 buildings.
Superintendent Jerry Boyd praised the commission’s decision and noted the importance of extending safety to all grade levels.
“Based on the age of buildings and design, we want to enhance those entrances to make entry more secure,” Boyd said. “When visitors come in, there’s more control before they are released into the general population to go to a classroom or another part of the building. They’re funneled directly through the office.”
In addition to improved building access, the school system has already implemented what Boyd described as a “state-of-the-art surveillance system,” with security cameras continuously being added throughout school properties.
He also noted that the district is finalizing the installation of a new emergency alert system.
“It involves wearing a lanyard or a device around your neck. If there’s some kind of emergency, you press it and get an immediate response,” Boyd told News Channel 11.
Boyd acknowledged that school security is not a one-time fix.
“This is an ongoing process,” he stated. “We’re so thankful to be at this stage as far as addressing this specific need at our elementary schools. But we have to continually monitor, evaluate, and make decisions for improvement.”
With the funding now approved, Boyd said the district is working to move forward with installation of the new vestibules as soon as possible, though no definitive timeline has been set.
