Myrtle Beach Gun Incident Prompts School Security Upgrades

Increased Measures to Ensure Student Safety

In the wake of a recent incident where a student brought a gun to Myrtle Beach Middle School, Horry County Schools is taking proactive steps to enhance security measures across its campuses. The student, who remains detained and is facing criminal charges, entered the school premises with a firearm concealed in a transparent backpack on February 6.

Proposed Security Enhancements

Horry County Board of Education Chairman, David Cox, announced during a recent board meeting that the school board is recommending upgrades to metal detection systems and additional security personnel at middle and high school entrances. The aim is to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to provide a safe learning environment for all students.

Financial Investment for Safety

The school district plans to allocate $15 million to boost its school safety and security budget for the current year. Additionally, over $4 million is expected to be allocated annually for security upgrades over the next five years. Part of this investment includes hiring additional security staff at middle and high schools to assist with student and visitor screenings.

Learning from Neighboring Districts

Officials are looking at neighboring Georgetown County, where new weapons detection systems were installed following previous security incidents. The district is exploring the potential adoption of similar systems to enhance safety protocols within Horry County Schools.

Community Involvement and Responsibility

The school board and superintendent are urging parents and guardians to be vigilant about monitoring their children’s belongings and social media activities. Encouraging open communication and reporting of any concerning behavior or information is emphasized to prevent future security threats.

Remaining Proactive in School Security

With a commitment to continuous improvement in school security, Horry County Schools aims to implement advanced measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff members. By learning from past incidents and investing in robust security infrastructure, the district is taking proactive steps to create a secure learning environment.