New 'Guards' Installed in Schools

Source: WTVF
05-06-2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Some schools are taking no chances to keep children safe.

Guards have been placed at the doors of some Nashville public schools.

The new safety plan involves a computer instead of people standing at school entrances.

LobbyGuard has been installed in several schools in Metro to keep problems off campus.

"We want to have a safe haven for our children," said Napier Ross Elementary School Principal Michael Ross.

After education, safety is the most important thing a school can provide.

It appears his job may be getting a bit easier thanks to a little help from the LobbyGuard.

Ross said parents and faculty supported its installation and students are curious about how it works.

The device was installed in Napier and other schools to beef up security.

It is the same system available in state office buildings.

Visitors will have to provide identification and take a picture to enter the school.

The system is also linked to the national sex offender registry.

"It's a great safety item to have in the school," Ross said.

Parents and visitors seem to like the idea.

"Hopefully, every school will eventually get it," said Arthur Fulson, a parent. "It's going to ensure a little more safety anyway for our kids."

The LobbyGuard is just the latest in a line of high tech security devices the district has invested in for local schools.