Norton Community Schools install new classroom locks

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Staff install new locks on classroom doors at Norton Community High School. *Courtesy photo.*

NORTON – Norton Community Schools USD 211 is equipping classroom doors with new security locks.

A portion of the barrier lock fits into the floor and a metal piece slides into place in the case of an emergency to keep the door from being opened. The security devices work doors that swing in or out.

Superintendent Phil Wilson said the district was working on the project before the latest school shooting in Florida last Wednesday.

School staff did active shooter training with local law enforcement last fall. Elementary school teachers especially found that it would be difficult to barricade doors with a heavy desks or file cabinets when they were alone in a classroom of small children.

The district researched security locks, keeping in mind fire safety, and bought the devices that are currently being installed with a grant from Norton County Emergency Management.

Installation of the Norton Community High School locks has already started with the help of staff, and the district hopes to move on to the Eisenhower Elementary School next.

Wilson said staff will undergo additional active-shooter training after all the security devices are installed.