Houston County Schools to spend nearly $3 million on new safety measures
The district plans to install metal detectors at middle and high schools and add security guards while reviewing cameras, alarms and controlled entrances.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Houston County school officials say nearly $3 million will be spent on new safety measures as the district prepares to add metal detectors and security guards at its middle and high schools.
The Houston County School District announced last week that metal detectors would be installed at every middle and high school, as well as stadiums and competition gyms. The district also plans to add a security guard at each middle school, high school and the Houston College & Career Academy.
Safety Director Del Martin told 41NBC the district is also reviewing additional cameras, alarms and controlled entrances as part of its ongoing security efforts.
“It’s just a layered approach,” Martin said. “We just want to continue to look at the safety for all our students. And with the addition of security, you want to always keep it up to date, and with technology as well it’s just keeping our schools safe.”
The district expects the metal detection systems to arrive within approximately eight weeks. Officials previously said they will use that time to develop procedures, determine where the systems will be placed and prepare for implementation.
Martin said the district will continue evaluating other security technology as well.
“Technology is technology,” he said. “And you always have to look at updating and continuing to add different types of technology to ensure we have the proper coverage and technology for our safety, so those are being reviewed as well.”
The additional safety measures come as the district continues reviewing security following the August 12 shooting at Warner Robins High School, where a 14-year-old student was shot during a fight in a school bathroom.
District officials have said school resource officers were already on campus and responded immediately. A teacher also used a crisis alert button that automatically sent information to 911.
Martin said the district will evaluate the metal detectors over time as officials determine how well the new security measures are working.
“We listen, we give input, and we try to make sure we’re putting the things that’s best for our schools, staff and students,” he said.
The district previously said available money in its fiscal year 2027 budget will pay for the additional safety measures and that the investment will not increase the school district’s millage rate.
