When you enter Ashton Elementary in Sarasota you'll find several layers of security. There are perimeter fences that direct visitors to the main entrance. The main entrance consists of two layers of double doors that separate visitors from the classrooms.
"That single point of access helps the school manage their visitors and their students throughout the course of the day," said safety director Michael Andreas.
Andreas said the district is outfitting all of the district's fifty-two schools over the next few years with security entrances.About twelve schools are getting security makeovers this summer.
"It's all about the kids, when you drop off your kids, you expect them to be safe," said Andreas.
Andreas said visitors will also have to start wearing visitor badges each time they enter the school building. He hopes parents and volunteers understand the need for the security upgrades.
"We are limiting how people come onto our campuses, we are still friendly, we are still open, we still care a great deal about our communities but we are always thinking about safety," said Andreas.
He said it will take about four years for the upgrades to be done district-wide.
