News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
White County Schools will use a grant of some $480,000 to add security cameras, improved door-locking systems, and other security upgrades.
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services awarded the district a Secure Our Schools grant, meant to provide and enhance safety equipment and violence-prevention programs. Board Chairman Bob Young said the district applied for the grant after teachers and administrators discovered safety needs in their schools.
“Thanks to administration for getting this grant, applying for it, and doing that assessment,” Young said. “It’s nice to see we’re applying for funds to help us in areas that may not be covered in our budget.”
Director of Schools Kurt Dronebarger said new latching systems for doors suffering from maintenance issues as well as window coverings will be included. Board member Jayson McDonald said safety issues at White County High School cause him great concern.
“That high school campus scares me because of so many access points and those kids having to move about from one building to another outside,” McDonald said. “That scares me a little bit up there on that campus.”
Dronebarger said the district has been working with groups to find areas of the greatest need and implement procedures and resources to tighten security in those areas. The organizations have also handled the paperwork involved with the grant and the measures that will be taken with the funding. Dronebarger said they will continue to help ensure that the district remains in compliance with all regulations involved.
“There was a needs assessment sent out and principals expressed their needs for their schools, and overwhelmingly, the main concerns, they were prioritized,” Dronebarger said. “Mr. Bryan Haley supervised that, they were prioritized.”
Dronebarger said the vast majority of the work that needs to be done will be covered by the $480,000 from the grant.
