Leaders take action to improve school safety for students return | Children

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Leaders in New Hanover County are taking action to keep students safer in the wake of the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT.

School officials met with law enforcement Monday afternoon to develop a short term plan when school returns Wednesday.

Beginning this week, every elementary school in the county system will have a law enforcement officer on campus.

According to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, this is a short term solution in response to the events in Newtown. The Board of Commissioners said the decision was quickly made by Sheriff Ed McMahon to make some changes to the current security system.

"The board appreciates the swift action taken by Sheriff McMahon to increase security in all school facilities," said Chairman Woody White in a press release.

Longer term security options will be discussed with the Board of Commissioners during the board's next meeting, January 7 in the Assembly Room of the Historic New Hanover County Courthouse starting at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

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