Watson Chapel school district beefs up security, plans to build new high school

1 year ago 11

PINE BLUFF, Ark.- In the wake of Monday’s guilty verdict in the killing of a Watson Chapel student in 2021, the district said new safety measures have been taken to prevent future occurrences.

Administrators have authorized over $700,000 to be spent on the purchase of metal detectors, camera upgrades, and the addition of more security guards within the district.

The district said upgrades have been made to the school where safety is top priority.

"I just heard gunshots. I was confused,” 10th grader Travis Hardin recalled about the shooting. “I thought someone was playing, banging on the door and stuff."

Superintendent Tom Wilson said they've been proactive in the prevention of school violence.

"We have over 10 security guards,” Wilson said. "They take care of the metal detectors they walk through, and they search their bags to make sure they're not carrying any kind of weapons."