Aiken County schools step up security with weapon checks, more

AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - After a brawl at Aiken High School, security is being stepped up for that campus and others in the county.

And it’s not just in Aiken County.

Schools across the CSRA are taking a number of steps amid an outbreak of violence at the start of the school year. In addition to the shooting at Josey High.

The Aiken County Board of Education held a special called meeting Tuesday to look at ways to strengthen security after the Aug. 3 brawl injured at least one student at Aiken High.

MORE FROM NEWS 12:

• Josey High shooting: What we know
• A look at past incidents, security at Josey High School
• For Josey students, moments of terror follow shooting
• Educators call on parents to help fight violence like Josey shooting

Students at middle and high schools throughout Aiken County can now expect regular use of weapons detection units, plus there will be weapons screening of visitors at elementary schools.

Weapons checks at middle and high schools will be unannounced and may take place at an entrance, during a class change, class period or other location.

“The consequences for bringing contraband, a weapon, or item that resembles a weapon on a school campus are significant,” Aiken County Public Schools said in a statement. “Students are strongly encouraged to review the Student Code of Conduct and expectations for maintaining safe and secure learning environments.”

Middle and high school students shouldn’t bring stainless steel water bottles, metal utensils from home or scissors to school.

That’s a strong suggestion right now, but will become mandatory after students return from fall break in mid-October.

Alternatives to notebooks with metal binders are being explored.

Additional safeguards at Aiken High will include:

• One more school resource officer on campus each day.
• Fencing to secure the campus.
• A third lunch period, so fewer students will be in the cafeteria at one time.
• Higher staff-to-student ratios in common spaces.

In addition, “partnerships are also being explored to further educate students on dangerous activities while encouraging positive engagement through faith- and/or community-based s,” the district said.

Meanwhile, the district is continuing its “clear bag” policy at sports events.

Spectators can bring in a clear tote bag no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches and/or a plastic zipper bag no bigger than a gallon, as well as a small clutch no bigger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches and seat cushions 16 inches or smaller.

Some parents feel the changes are long overdue.

When Rockelle Drummings sends her three Aiken County students to school, a level of fear comes over her.

“No parent or guardian wants to get a call or see on social media that there’s something going on at school without the school officials ing us first,” she said.

With the new safety procedures, some questions still remain.

“I got the email, but when will it be put in place? We shouldn’t have to go through all of this now. This school year for it to finally be put in place,” said Drummings.

Emotional is another concern for some parents, especially when safety concerns arise like in recent weeks.

“Who can our children talk to?” said Drummings.

The school district says they may add to the list of safety measures in the future and while all of these new changes may be inconvenient, they’re ultimately for your student’s safety.

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