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North Carolina School District Spends More Than $1 Million to Harden Front Entrance, Secure Schools

The Johnston County School System in North Carolina is spending almost $2 million to upgrade security measures at its schools.

  • By Sherelle Black
  • November 21, 2019

The Johnston County School System in North Carolina is investing almost $2 million to add new security measures to its 42 schools. One of those measures is adding an extra layer to the schools’ front entrances.

When someone wants to enter one of the 42 buildings, the front office must clear the person. After the front door, they will then be met with another wall and set of locked doors with shatterproof glass, reported CBS17.

“Teachers teach better when they feel safe — learners learn when they feel safe, so we want to provide another added layer so that teaching and learning can transpire in the classroom,” auxiliary services and safety officer Chase Ferrell said to the news station.  

Other enhancements include making sure campuses have up-to-date cameras and key fob entries.

In March, the school system considered putting armed former police and military at each school, reported The News & Observer.

“Obviously, we have to deal with the security issue and if that means putting some retired law enforcement in there, then so be it,” Ted Godwin, vice chairman of the Johnston County commissioners, said. “We’re all in this together. We’re going to give them as much money as we think the taxpayer can reasonably afford to put towards security.”

About the Author

Sherelle Black is a Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

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