Montgomery County Schools Implement Backpack Ban and New Crisis Alert System to Enhance Student Safety

Montgomery County, Ky. — As the school year progresses, Montgomery County Schools have implemented significant changes to enhance student safety. Following a recent trend in school security, some schools have instituted a ban on backpacks to create a safer educational environment.

In an ongoing initiative to bolster safety, the Montgomery County School District Police Chief, Chris Barrier, highlighted the district’s shift towards a more proactive approach. “This is just one solution that we’re looking at to improve our complete comprehensive school safety model,” Barrier stated.

The district is exploring the introduction of a security system known as ‘Crisis Alert’, developed by Centegix. This system allows every adult in the school to wear a badge that can quickly notify law enforcement in the event of a crisis. “It really gives them the ability to reach out and cut down on the line of communication to keep our kids safe in the building,” Barrier explained.

One of the key advantages of the Crisis Alert system is its independence from existing Wi-Fi and power sources. This ensures that in the event of an outage, the systems remain operational. “The beauty of this equipment is that it stays intact regardless of any external issues,” Barrier added.

Montgomery County Schools have also ensured that there is a School Resource Officer (SRO) present in every school building. Barrier emphasized that the strategies being implemented are part of an infrastructure upgrade designed to enhance their existing safety protocols.

A meeting held on Tuesday provided a platform to discuss further options for safeguarding students. “If you’re reactive, you’re operating from a place of weakness. Being proactive means you can pursue your mission effectively,” Barrier stated.

The cost to implement the Crisis Alert system is projected to be around $460,000 over five years. This investment reflects the district’s commitment to improving overall school safety measures.

As Montgomery County Schools continue to adapt and develop their safety strategies, the focus remains clear: to protect students and foster a secure learning environment.