That's one of many security measures being considered by school officials in the wake of the Jan. 23 shooting at Marshall County High School that left two students dead and many other students injured.
Trent Lovett, Superintendent of Marshall County Schools, sent out a letter last week outlining what the school district has already done to improve school safety. According to the letter, staff have been trained to conduct metal detector and bag checks, there's a stronger police presence at the high school campus and eleven employees have been hired to patrol school grounds.
The letter also states that entrances at the main building on the high school campus have been limited to four, and that number is reduced to one when classes begin. An anonymous text tip line has been established for students to report safety threats and bullying concerns, and two additional mental health professionals have been added.
According to Lovett, all of these policies were put into place by the school board after the shooting and are being funded without any outside financial assistance.
In the letter, Lovett says the district is seriously exploring the idea of adding metal detectors and x-ray machines to school entrances, and possibly eliminating backpacks. He said they are also looking for funds to improve doors throughout the campus with electronic safety features; funds for more staff, including school-employed mental health counselors; funds to overhaul security cameras, and funds for upgrades at other district schools.
