County schools get good progress report
New security measures, resource officers in place in Garrett County schools
For the Cumberland Times-News Cumberland Times-News
OAKLAND — Garrett County Public Schools have installed new door security hardware and incorporated school resource officers for the opening of schools.
The school system has placed cameras and video recording equipment, access control door entry systems, and entry intercoms/buzzers at all schools to provide additional security for the students, staff and visitors. The security software will allow for a keyless entry system for all employees and will allow the schools to be locked at all times during the school day.
Parents and guardians who want to access a particular school will need to ring the buzzer at the front door. Office staff will communicate through the intercom system and, if approved, will grant access to the building. A photo identification may be required.
The Garrett County commissioners have funded two full-time SROs — one for the northern end of the county and one for the southern end. Sheriff Robert Corley will have the overall responsibility for Lt. Clark Warnick and Deputy Tim Sanders, who have offices in the schools. Their daily law enforcement and educational activities will be coordinated with the local school administration staff.
“The safety and security of our students and staff are paramount to the board of education,” said Cynthia Downton, president of the Garrett County Board of Education. “We appreciate the support of the Garrett County commissioners, Garrett County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Department of Education for their support of these important safety initiatives. In addition to these measures, we remind our school staff and community members to continue to be vigilant regarding strangers around school grounds or in our schools.”
Posted on 08/30/2013 in garrett county # schools
