Security Upgrades at Several Schools in Oconee County Complete

Students of several schools in Oconee County and their parents will notice security upgrades in place as they head back to class for the 2013-14 school year.

The entrances of High Shoals Elementary, Malcom Bridge Elementary, Rocky Branch Elementary and Oconee County Primary schools now match the safety features that were already in place at Colham Ferry Elementary and Oconee County Elementary after previous renovations.

The $25,000 sale of surplus of items in the spring helped fund the upgrades, which standardized the front, inside entrances of the elementary and primary schools.  Each is equipped with new security doors and buzzers, among other safety features.

Superintendent Dr. Jason Branch said there are also computer systems in place to keep track of all visitors. 

"You take a photo when you come in, you sign in and state your purpose," he explained. "It prints off a visitor's pass with your name and where you're headed, and then you sign out when you go."  

He said all of the schools in the county are eventually moving to that process, and he described the fee for the service as "nominal."

What do you think of the security upgrades?