TRURO - The local school board will be installing video intercom security systems for all area schools.
Chignecto-Central Regional School Board's operational services committee said a buzzer and camera interface within school offices would restrict entrance when school is open.
Operations director Herb Steeves said at a school board meeting in Truro on Wednesday night that all schools will use the system, each of which will cost in the range of $3,000 to $4,000. It's anticipated the security system will be in all schools by the end of the year.
Steeves said about four years ago the CCRSB "led the way" in asking all of its elementary schools if they wanted to install the security measure.
"Seventeen schools, all elementary, said yes," Steeves told the Truro Daily News. "We started it to be proactive ... Now it won't be a choice," said Steeves, adding 26 more systems will be purchased so that all schools within CCRSB will be equipped.
The operations committee said some tweaking may be needed as there could be different issues with operations at junior and high schools due to the significant number of students entering and leaving the school with free periods throughout the day.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
