GREENSBORO, N.C. — The entire country is reeling after a tragic deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia left four people dead. It's spurred new calls to enhance security at schools across the country and the Triad is no different.
Over the next five years, Guilford County Schools says it will spend $60 million on improving safety measures. The district already has weapon scanners in all high schools and middle schools, but this money would go beyond that.
There are 44 scanners, each costing around $20,000 apiece. These systems are more high-tech than traditional metal detectors. They're better at finding weapons instead of picking up everything from jewelry to phones. While these systems aren't cheap, the district says it's dedicated to spending as much as it needs to ensure its students are safe.
"That relationship between staff and children will keep us safe and ensure our safety," Mike Richey, Guilford County Schools' assistant superintendent, said. "So we don't pull from one to pay for the other. They come primarily out of separate funding sources, so they're not in competition."
The schools' proposed budget for this year is more than $960 million. However, for many schools, security checks don't just begin at the front door. The Rockingham County School District says it starts before you even step foot on campus.
"It starts with the appropriate signage when you drive or walk onto our school property," said Sean Gladieux, Rockingham County Schools' director of safety. "Everybody must check in at the front office, all visitors, all guests, lunch buddies, anything like that. All of our external doors are locked and secured to all of our schools. You have to make contact with the office via a camera and a microphone before you are even granted access into the school."
So, who pays for all this security equipment?
According to Guilford County Schools, more than half of the cost is paid through state taxes. About 35% is covered by local taxes, and around 10% comes from federal funding.
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