Darlington County school board members approved a $4.7 million fund for surveillance systems.
Parents across the district are on board with the project but some wonder if security cameras are enough to keep children safe.
“I think security cameras are a great start, but I think more needs to be done. I think a lot more needs to be done,” said parent Tobin Lee.
During Tuesday’s meeting, board members said the project will include surveillance camera systems for all buildings, as well as card door access and emergency messaging systems.
“Our district similar to other districts around the state, we just have aging equipment and systems. This will give us newer technology that can be utilized as well as replacing older systems that are currently in place,” said Dr. Tim Newman, Superintendent for Darlington County schools.
With several recent mass shootings across the country, the district believes this is just the beginning of keeping children and staff safe during school hours.
“The board is currently accessing our facilities. We’re actually doing a facility study to be able to continue our projects throughout the district. This is certainly not going to be the end of what we do,” said Dr. Newman.
Parents have extra suggestions for older building across the school district.
“I’d like to have the automatic doors that lock in all the schools. My youngest daughter she went to Darlington Middle school and I mean, I felt safe because I couldn’t even get in unless I buzzed in. It’s not like it was when we went to school. It’s dangerous now,” said Lee.
The project fund is expected to be completed by fall of 2020.
