Security Vestibules Approved At Algood, Avery Trace Middle

Secure entrances will be constructed this fall at Algood Middle School and Avery Trace Middle School.

The Putnam County School board approved a $14,000 contract with Upland Design to facilitate the upgrade. Director of Schools Corby King said the vestibule will keep students safe

“It is to provide an entrance that goes directly into the office areas,” King said. “The way both schools right now, when you go in the front door, you can gain access to pretty much the whole building without having to check into an office. The security vestibules will direct traffic that comes into the school, into the office to be checked and before they have access to move out into the school building.”

King said he hopes the construction can be completed before Christmas. Cookeville High School recently went through a similar change. King said security upgrades continue across the school system, especially at older schools where entrances were not built with modern issues in mind.

“We still have some some areas that we are struggling with, we still got some work to do, but all at least have the locks that you have to get into the office,” King said.