New school security features in place

Published 5:51 pm Wednesday, August 8, 2018

A new access control system was recently installed on the Columbia Early College High School and Columbia Middle School campus as part of planned safety upgrades, Dr. Travis Twiford, interim superintendent, announced August 2.

The new system controls seven doors on four campus buildings. Each entrance has a card reader, an intercom with video, and access hardware that can be controlled remotely, he explained.

Staff members will receive new ID cards that will also serve as their keys to the buildings.

Students will find doors unlocked at appropriate times and will receive notice of new procedures for movement between buildings while classes are in progress.

All visitors to Columbia Early College High School will enter through the front entrance of the main building where a new awning has been installed to offer protection from the elements while pausing to gain admittance.

Columbia Middle and Tyrrell Elementary schools have similar access control systems already in place.

“We feel the installation of access control hardware is an important step toward improving the safety of our students and staff,” Dr. Twiford stated.