School heightens security at meetings

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Be prepared to walk through metal detectors at school board meetings in Vigo County.

The Vigo County School Corporation cracks down on security after the recent school board shooting in Florida.

The average school discussion turned violent attack on board members last month in Panama City, Fla.

A situation school officials hope not to see here in Vigo County, as the school corporation heightens their security

VCSC added a metal detector, wand, and more armed guards at Monday's school board meeting.

"I always feel you can never say it can never happen here so we wanted to be proactive in our approach," VCSC Security Ray Azar said.

The changes go beyond the entrance, but into the conference room. You're faced with a new seating layout, as all chairs are placed in the middle. It allows enough room near the exits in case of an emergency.

School officials said it's needed more now as schools nationwide face a financial crunch. Heated moments and frustrated community members can happen at any time.

"School board meetings are local and they touch people's life very intimately," Azar said. "We wanted to make sure that we were prepared to do everything we can to make sure everyone has a safe meeting"

So, at what cost comes with this safety? According to school officials, not much.

The school purchased the metal detector about three years ago. As for the security guards, they have always hired at least one officer at school board meetings.

"We decided we would have additional security officer tonight and we will have to evaluate whether we do that in the future or not," Azar said.

School officials said the security system may be used for different school events in the future, pending safety concerns.