MONTGOMERY COUNTY — School districts are working around the clock to keep everyone safe inside their buildings.
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As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, a Montgomery County school district is using new technology to help protect students.
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“Those are huge things,” said Dr. Andrea Townsend, West Carrollton Schools superintendent. “We want to make sure we keep our kids safe.”
The new technology is being used at West Carrollton’s new elementary school.
Safety was in mind when they built the school.
“21st century technology, upgraded safety features, such as our locked vestibules, having to have IDs to come in, even to open doors, and get past that,” she said.
Townsend told News Center 7 that these precautions are to fulfill the school’s main mission.
“I mean, they have to be safe, and in school, to learn,” she said.
News Center 7’s Mike Campbell said the new elementary school building allows students and staff to be safe, even from environmental threats.
“Like half the teachers never had air conditioning before, so these times of year are really, really hot,” said Brad Thobe, West Carrollton Elementary School Principal. “So, they’re happy about that.”
Campbell said the new school has a shelter for severe weather.
“(We are) committed to our community about building tornado shelters. So, our gym is a tornado shelter for the entire building,” said Thobe.
West Carrollton Schools will also have a new middle and high school next year.
“As part of our orientation for every police officer, they go through the schools and then during field training, they get additional times in the school when they’re working day shift,” said David Wessling, West Carrollton Police Interim Chief.
He also has resource officers assigned to the schools.
Campbell says that Wessling wants every officer to know every new school building.
“Just so they know when they respond, they have a good layout, and they know in their head,” he told News Center 7.
Wessling says police and school leaders have worked together since new construction started in the district. They have the same priorities when it comes to safety and security.
“It’s always our top priority,” said Townsend.
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