Safety is the number one priority in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, and the district is always looking for ways to improve its safety protocols.
School District Five’s security strategy is a multi-layered approach that consists of communication, compartmentalization, and awareness. School District Five has added armed security with its district Safety Officers and Lead Safety Officer, and all schools have armed School Resource Officers or security personnel. The district’s safety team has consulted with the Violence Reduction Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to enhance teacher, staff, and administrator training.
On March 29, 2023, School District Five hosted the Superintendent’s Emergency Responders Advisory Committee. Representatives from Chapin and Irmo Police Departments, Lexington and Richland Sheriff’s Departments, SLED, County EMTs, Fire Departments, SCDOT and County Emergency Management Officials were in attendance and gave their feedback to Superintendent Dr. Akil E. Ross, Sr., and other district administrators on a safety inventory of the district, sharing what items they consider to be the most important when it comes to preventing or responding to an emergency situation.
The “See Something, Say Something” practice is always an effective strategy for safety and security. Parents and community members can help by encouraging students to utilize the STOPit app if they see or hear anything of concern. School District Five will continue to partner with law enforcement to ensure our schools remain safe places for our students to learn and grow.
