During the upcoming few months, the South community should be expecting and preparing for large technological updates regarding the school’s security. This includes the new and already introduced Raptor system, cameras, sensors and a new District Resource Officer.

Due to past and recent occurrences where schools’ have been threatened by shootings, predators and other situations regarding a lack in preparation for such events, SMS has decided to up the security, a bond issue that passed allowing the school to do so without harming the budget.

“We are ultimately here to prevent school accidents,” Student Resource Officer Richard Spandle said, “for a quicker response time.”

The new security systems have been put in place to make that response time even quicker, with 90 HD cameras surrounding the building and sensors on each door leading outside. A camera is at each exit, as well as surrounding key points. As for the sensors, after 15 seconds of a door being open the camera above will take a picture, and a message will be sent to the Campus Security Officer. But by far, the most advanced piece of equipment is the Raptor. By scanning a visitors driver’s license, the Raptor accesses National Data Base files, providing necessary information such as if a visitor is listed as a registered sex offender, has a restraining order, or arrest warrants.

“It’s actually rare that a parent would need supervision,” Campus Security Officer Grant Merchant said, in regards to rumors about a parent with past records needing to be supervised. “Most parents who are registered sex offenders can’t legally pick up their children from school, or even be near them in some cases.”

All rumors aside, there are still complaints being thrown in the direction of the district’s resource officers.

“With change, you’re gonna hear some moaning,” Merchant said.

With the school undergoing these specific alterations, as well as construction and change of safety protocols, parents have said the school is no longer safe, students fear their academics will become hassles with such extreme measures, and teachers and administrators are the ones taking the heat.

“People do not like being slowed down,” Spandle said.

One of the biggest confusions to be cleared up would be what would happen if a student is running late to school or from an open lunch, with the automatically locking doors and sensor security on all entrances and exits.

“The doors lock automatically at 7:40, but I spend my whole day  in that front hall to let people in,” Merchant said.

Change is something the entire community has faced with a constantly growing and bettering school, security being something of a fine line.

“We haven’t had near the threats North and West have,” Spandle said.

No alterations should be too extreme, but students should be prepared for new protocol and security extents.