North Carolina School Secures Exterior Doors with New Security System

North Carolina School Secures Exterior Doors with New Security System

Mitchell High School has added a new security system to all exterior doors of its building.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • June 18, 2019

Mitchell High School has added a new security system to all exterior doors of its building.

The new system was installed during spring break. According to Kim Hodshon, Mitchell County Schools Executive Director of Facilities, the system cost the district $10,625.

There is now a small panel with a fob-scanning device on every exterior door of the school building. A fob with a unique serial number is issued to each Mitchell High student. When scanned at the door, the fob allows that student access to the school.

There is also a doorbell and a camera installed at the main doors of the school. Parents or other visitors to the school ring the bell, state their business to the front office staff inside and are admitted if appropriate.

The new door system has been in operation in a trial period since May 23. According to Mitchell Principal Mark Woody, he hopes to see the system fully in place and integrated for use by the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.

Woody announced the new system in an email to students on May 23.

“Think of this as a means of keeping everyone safe,” Woody said. “This trial period will help us work out the kinks for the full implementation next school year.”

Every student is required to have a fob, which will be assigned to them when they check out their laptop computers for the year come fall. There is a $5 replacement fob fee and a $2 fee for the lanyard to which the fob is attached.

“When you access each door, your unique fob is recorded,” Woody said. “We do not want these lost or washed in the washing machine.”

In his email, Woody emphasized that students should not lose their fob or loan their fob to non-school staff.

“You would not want to loan or give your fob to any non-school personnel,” Woody said. “You are responsible for this fob as you would be with the key to your house. Please make sure it is either on your key ring or lanyard.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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