Local school district in Southeast Georgia hardening security with new entry requirements

Schools in Georgia have added an extra layer of security.

Students go back to class Tuesday and Action News Jax has learned each school will get $30,000 toward improving campus safety.

As students head back to school in Glynn County, parents, administrators and law enforcement are making sure students are safe.

"Everybody feels a little uneasy with everything going on," said Glynn County parent Amanda Ramsey.

"I want to make sure the kids go exactly where they (are supposed to) go because kids wander," added parent Vonquez Smith.

Ramsey has two children who attend schools in Glynn County.

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"I think everybody needs to be trained on that (security) and having real world experiences will make them better at what they do and more responsive," Ramsey explained.

Glynn County Superintendent Virgil Cole told Action News Jax the $30,000 given to school districts across the state will be used to control who is allowed to walk into school buildings.

"We already have a situation where they have to buzz to get into our school. But now there will be another layer where you will have to buzzed further into the school," Cole said.

Parent Vonquez Smith says increased investment in school safety will help ease her mind when she sends her two children Carlie and Braden back to school.

"I feel like somebody needs to pat them down. I don't think just because you lock the door ... that's not going to do anything. I think I can let my guard down when they're in school," Smith added.

The superintendent says the district has multiple layers now in place at all schools to keep kids safe.

"When it comes down to having a safe and secure environment for our students, it's probably the most important thing. So that's what we're really trying to do," Cole explained.

The school district will need to get approval from the state for how it spends the money.

The only requirement is the money will have to be used by year 2020.

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