Progress made in security upgrades at CMS district schools

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has implemented major security upgrades across the district including stronger doors and updated, electric locks.

"I have a daughter that's in middle school, and she's terrified," mother Emily Culbertson said.

Progress has been made as part of a $9 million plan to keep students, faculty and staff safe, officials said.

"Her friends are terrified," Culbertson said. "They have developed anxiety to where some of them need counseling now. She's balancing the stress between her safety and her education."

Culbertson was relieved when Channel 9 education reporter Elsa Gillis told her about the security progress CMS has made in improving security.

The expansion of video surveillance has been completed, including in portable classrooms and outside venues.

There is enhanced video surveillance at 20 high schools and 7,125 cameras districtwide.

CMS said it's 90% complete with updating locks and installing stronger doors.

Installation of the Crisis Alert System is underway at high schools, which allows staffers to send out schoolwide alerts for lockdowns, evacuations, severe weather or medical emergencies.

[High school crisis alert system unveiled by new superintendent]

Officials said 9,500 staff members have gone through active survival training.

"This may help her," Culbertson said. "It would give her so much piece of mind."

Random metal detector searches began last school year and have expanded to middle and K-8 schools, in addition to CMS high schools.

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Cox Media Group