Security added at Rome High School

♦ Book bag searches and extra police will start Monday.

Rome City Schools is launching new security protocols at the high school starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

The changes include limiting entrances to the school that is home to some 2,000 students. Book bags will be searched, coats and hoodies will be removed and extra police officers assisted by canines will be in use.

Students also will be getting updated identification badges and the school system is researching “weapon detection systems and scanners” for future use.

“The safety and security of faculty, staff, and students is of utmost importance,” said Interim Superintendent Dawn Williams. “Hiring security officers may be necessary until we can fully implement all of our recommendations.”

The security upgrades come after two students on separate days were found to be carrying loaded Glock pistols on campus. No students, faculty or staff were threatened in either case Wednesday or Thursday; the students — one 16, the other 15 — face criminal charges and school disciplinary action.

Immediate repercussions included the canceling of classes on Friday for students (it was designated a flex learning day), safety drills and instructions for faculty and staff, public and closed door meetings by the school board and subsequent meetings.

Also, the Rome High football scrimmage set at Kell Friday evening was canceled, attributed to “unforeseen circumstances.” Kell converted the event into a scrimmage using team players only.

The Rome City Schools Board of Education signed off on the security changes in a closed meeting with Williams Friday, after hearing from the superintendent and public in open session.

Among the other new protocols:

♦ Upon entering the school, students will remove and carry in hand all jackets, hoodies or any outer layer clothing so that these items — along with bookbags — may be examined for contraband.

♦ Dress code warnings will be given on Monday with full implementation of consequences beginning on Tuesday.

♦ Each grade level will have an assembly on Monday to review safety protocols as well as key rules and dress code.