FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Metal detectors will be installed at the three Florence School District One high schools and two other educational facilities by the beginning of May, according to district officials.
Florence School District One spokesperson Pam Little-McDaniel says metal detectors are being installed, and everyone entering the schools will be screened using these detectors. The screening process will be effective beginning in May.
“We are so grateful to the Florence One Board of Trustees for moving expeditiously in support of school safety and for unanimously deciding to allocate funds to increase safety measures in our schools,” said Florence One Interim Superintendent Dr. Dan Strickland.
Last month, the Florence One Board of Trustees approved the funding of a comprehensive safety package that includes a surveillance camera digital system replacement for all schools at a cost of $1.3 million. In the plan is the immediate cost of code blue and front door access at all three high schools:
- South Florence, $107,416
- West Florence, $106,462
- Wilson, $98,091
District officials say the Florence Career Center and the Alfred Rush Academy will also be equipped with these safety features, but a budget for those facilities was not revealed in the press release Wednesday morning.
The metal detectors will be used in at least three locations on the high school campuses. School principals will provide parents with information about the new safety systems using a Frequently Asked Questions Guide (F.A.Q.), says Little-McDaniel. The guide will be published on the district’s website Monday, April 23.
Strickland says while funding has been allocated for metal detectors and camera upgrades, these strategies are just one part of the complete school safety plan.
“Although these additional safety measures will be in place,” said Strickland, “we must continue to rely on everyone to immediately report to local authorities when there is even the slightest suspicion or fear that something out of the ordinary may happen. If you see something, say something. This is not just a cliché, but it is a fact that could help save lives.”
School officials say parent and student reporting are among the strongest ways to ensure school safety.
“Families communicating what they know and voicing concerns that they have often help the school to respond quickly and proactively to keep students and staff safe. When you know something or have a concern, please tell us,” urges South Florence High School Principal Carol Hill.
Hill and the other high school principals in Florence One will notify parents via Florence One’s telecommunication system regarding the specific dates and times of their parent informational meetings on the new safety system.
