WCPS safety - Wayne-Wilson News Leader, Fremont, NC

20 September 2007 — With the new school year underway, Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) is working to step up its efforts to help create 100% safe and drug free schools.

“In June, our administrators and safety coordinators gave the Board of Education a ‘School Safety Update,’ to keep Board members abreast of existing safety programs, and update them on how the new school year would bring with it increased security for our schools,” states Dr. Steven Taylor, WCPS Superintendent. “Through the hard work of our staff, and the support of our Board, we are excited to see many of the proposed security measures now being put into action.”

Last Tuesday, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department conducted the first of many random searches to be done across the county this year, at Southern Wayne High and Spring Creek High. Deputies checked cars for drugs or weapons that could be seen in open sight. Drug dogs were also used to sniff out possible drugs that could be hidden in vehicles and in lockers.

Out of both random searches, only one student was charged for a crime. Deputies charged a Southern Wayne High student with simple possession of marijuana that was found in their vehicle. The student will also face disciplinary actions at the school.

“It is always disappointing when students bring items that are illegal or against school policy on to our campuses,” said Dr. Taylor. “But the message is clear. If a student is caught in possession of any weapon or drugs on our campuses, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, as well as face disciplinary actions in accordance to Board policy.”

“The safety of our students and faculty is our top priority,” states Dr. Taylor, “Working with the sheriffs department to conduct more random searches at our high schools and middle schools is just one of the many efforts that the school system has implemented this school year. We also plan to increase the use of metal detectors on our campuses, by having out high schools set up metal detectors periodically throughout the school year.”

“Students may not know when we are coming to their schools to set up metal detectors or to do random searches, but we are coming,” adds Allen Smith, WCPS Safety Coordinator. “We are also working with schools to build upon existing safety programs, to better promote student safety inside and outside the classroom.”

“We are grateful for our parents’ support, as well as the community’s and our Board’s, to help us create 100% safe and drug free schools for our students,” said Dr. Taylor.

Schools made students and parents aware of the increased security measures at the start of the year. Schools also plan to meet with their Parent Advisory Councils to discuss safety measures that have been put in place.

An additional security measure in place this fall to help promote student safety is the “Higher Standard Dress Code,” that was implemented in six schools through parent support. School system employees also have photo ID badges, so it is easier for schools to differentiate between visitors and employees. New and updated crisis response flipcharts are also in the process of being printed for every classroom, media center, cafeteria, and auditorium.

“We must be ever vigilant in working to ensure students safely receive their education without fear or interruption,” states Chris Barnes, WCPS Security Coordinator. “We are grateful for the Board’s support, as well as the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department’s assistance in our efforts. It is our hope that the increased presence of law enforcement and use of metal detectors on our campuses, will help create safe and drug free learning environments for our students.”