There's a new layer of security at 22 schools in Rockdale County

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — Summer vacation has come to an end for another school district.

An estimated 17,000 students in the Rockdale County Schools district went back to school Monday.

Parents can have a little more peace of mind sending their kids back to school Monday.

The county has a brand new security feature that is now installed at all 22 Rockdale County school facilities.

“It is definitely a team effort and designed to be an effective deterrent,” Rockdale County School District Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts said.

Oatts said he completed a goal he set when arriving in Rockdale County a year ago, which was enhancing safety and increasing security.

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Glassed-in vestibules, like one we saw at Davis Middle School, are now installed at all 22 schools in the district

Someone will be at the desk inside, restricting access for visitors or potentially anyone looking to do harm.

“When a visitor comes, they’ll have to buzz in and that activates a surveillance camera right here, so they’ll see who’s attempting to gain access and then upon gaining access, will then indicate what they’re here for and business is. (Then they are) permitted entry into the main facility,” Oatts said.

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Staff in the main office can also monitor the cameras.

The vestibule adds another layer of security, giving faculty the benefit of time to contain any potential threat entering the building.

The enhancements are paid for as part of the special tax referendum, voted on and passed by taxpayers last fall.

“So, this is the people’s commitment and generosity at work,” Oatts said.

When the students arrived at Rockdale County Monday, they were greeted by many new faces.

The district hired 250 new teachers this year, as well as more support staff at all their schools.

Cox Media Group