Aiken County School District implementing new security measures this school year

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF) – School is back in session in Aiken County and the district is expanding its security measures.

At the entrance of Kennedy and Schofield Middle Schools, students and staff will have to go through vestibules before entering the building.

It’s just an added layer of protection you walk thru before walking right into the main entrance.

25 of the 44 schools in the district already have them.

“It’s two doors – it’s an entry door. One entry point. Then it funnels all visitors into the office space. Then there’s a secondary door that stays locked. Preventing visitors from being able to access classrooms where our students and staff are,” said Vicky Gaskins, Director of Security and Emegency Management, Aiken County Public School District.

There is also a new 5-step action plan called ‘Standard Response Protocol’.

“It’s a community program where law enforcement, dispatchers, parents, students, everyone is getting trained on the Standard Response Protocol. So that everyone has that common language and understands what the school’s plan is if an emergency were to occur.”

Every year Aiken Public Schools will expand their security measures as more funding becomes available.

Learn more about Standard Response Protocol HERE

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