In an effort to help make Brevard Public Schools safer, the district is speeding up its work to install security upgrades — including fencing, cameras and a new locking system for front doors.

  • Brevard Public Schools receiving security upgrades this summer
  • Upgrades include fencing, cameras and a new door-locking system
  • District's plan is to have upgrades completed by spring 2018

"It's now just another extra level of security that we have that makes sure our staff and students feel safe," said Wendy Smith, principal of Cambridge Elementary School.

Several schools, including Cambridge Elementary in Cocoa, have already received security upgrades.

Fencing completely encloses the school, making it a single, controlled access point system.

"Many of our schools were built back in the 60s and 70s where wide open breezeways were the design standard and anyone could walk on campus," Assistant Superintendent Matt Reed said. "This way, we will have much better control of the kids, and staff will be much safer."

In addition to new fencing and gates, all schools will also receive surveillance cameras at front entrances and remote-controlled entrance locks.

With the press of a button from the school's office or district headquarters, a district official can lock down a school remotely in case of an emergency.

"The single button from a seated position to lock that door has given my clerk piece of mind, my officer piece of mind and also us knowing that the district can shut it down is good, because they may know of something before we do," Smith said. "They can monitor our building, as well."

The upgrades are expected to cost more than $ 8 million. District officials hope to have the upgrades completed in all Brevard County Public Schools by spring 2018.

The Brevard School Board also voted in May to spend about $900,000 to renew contracts with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies to employ school resource officers at all middle and high schools.

The money used to increase security at Brevard Schools is coming from a half-cent sales tax increase that was approved by voters in 2014.