FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – Students in Florence School District One will soon go through metal detectors before entering school each day. The new security features are set to be installed at West Florence, South Florence and Wilson High schools next month.
South Florence is getting $107,416, West Florence is receiving $106,462 and Wilson is getting $98,091 for metal detectors and upgraded security cameras.
The principal of South Florence High School, Carol Hill, says the metal detectors will be installed at three entrances at the school. Students will be greeted by a faculty member at the door and will be asked to place their backpacks and purses on a table to be searched. Teachers will be looking for anything from weapons to outside food and drinks. Students will then walk through metal detectors and, if they set off the alarm, they will then be screened with handheld devices. Brenton Coe, the school’s assistant principal says some students are nervous about being searched.
“Some of them are very excited. Of course, some of them are nervous because ‘that’s means I can’t bring my lunchbox.’ No, it’s not that you can’t bring your lunchbox. It’s just that we’re going to look in your lunchbox to make sure you don’t have anything you’re not supposed to have,” said Coe. “We’re not taking anything away from students so basically they can still bring their drinks. They just have to be sealed. And the seal can’t be broken. And students can still operate as usual. It’s just going to take a little longer for them to come to school.”
Assistant Principal Coe says the goal is to screen all students within 30 minutes. He also says students shouldn’t worry about not making it to class on time.
“Most kids don’t bring stuff that they know will go off in metal detectors in the first place. It just discourages them to do that,” he said.News 13 also spoke to students at South Florence. Some are in favor of the metal detectors, while others say they think they will be a hassle.
One student said “If people do plan to do anything bad in the school, at least they’ll be stopped at the front because they can’t get in.” Others said they are worried the detectors will cause congestion in the hallways and will delay students getting to class. One student said the “timing was poor” and the school district “should’ve started it next year. Start fresh instead of just trying to throw this on us last minute.”Principal Hill says administrators listened to comments from students and parents before implementing this plan, and says most were onboard. And while safety is the top priority, another goal is to make sure students feel comfortable as soon as they walk in the door.
“We’re looking forward to just a little more personal contact as soon as students walk through the door every day,” she said. “Every student is going to be greeted by an adult. ‘How ya doing? Welcome to school!'”
The school district is planning to hold informational meetings soon. Parents will be notified about the dates and times by phone. The schools will also conduct drills and training to get students accustomed to the procedure.