AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Aiken County Public School District approved funding last week for safety improvements at Redcliffe Elementary School, part of a broader effort to enhance security across the district.
Construction began after students left for summer break to install a secure entryway at Redcliffe Elementary. The project is one of several safety initiatives underway in Aiken County schools.
Weapons detection systems are in every school in the district. The district is also working toward placing school resource officers and secure entryway rooms in all schools.
“It’s a layered approach that helps to detect and deter, and delay any type of persons that may have ill will towards getting into the school,” said Vicky Gaskins, director of security and emergency management for the district.
One-third of Aiken County schools still need vestibules and are waiting for funding.
Gaskins said the district is pursuing “absolutely anything that we can do to enhance security in the schools for parents’ peace of mind.”
Following Gov. Henry McMaster’s mandate, the district has filled many school resource officer positions. However, 12 schools are still waiting for an SRO.
“We are working with law enforcement. The funding is there right now. The issue would be manpower for some of those agencies being able to provide those officers,” Gaskins said.
The district continues to push for officers in every school for both safety and community relationships.
“Students grow up in elementary school with an SRO, then their perception of law enforcement is a more positive,” Gaskins said. “So it bridges that gap.”
The vestibule at Redcliffe Elementary costs around $270,000 and was paid for in part by a state school security grant. The same grant paid for two schools to rebuild their entryways last year.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
