Security will be enhanced as students return to class at Rome High School today after two incidents last week when juveniles brought loaded, stolen weapons to school with them.

In a media release sent early Saturday, Rome City Schools outlines a first wave of new security protocols, including limiting entrances to the school that is home to some 2,000 students. Book bags will be searched, coats and hoodies will be removed and extra police officers assisted by canines will be in use starting at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Students also will be getting updated identification badges and the school system is researching “weapon detection systems and scanners” for future use.

The following was taken from a Press Release from Rome City Schools over the weekend:

After discussion and deliberation with board members as well as school and district administrators,  Williams announced that additional protocols would be implemented at Rome High School beginning on Monday. Aug. 8:

  • There will be two entrances into the school during drop-off time, with tardy students and students with off-campus class or work experiences allowed to come in late only through the front door. Doors to the school will not be open until 7:30 each morning.
  • Upon entering school, students will remove and carry in hand all jackets, hoodies or any outer layer clothing so that these items may be examined for contraband.
  • Student book bags and other bags will be searched upon entering the school.
  • Additional Rome Police Department officers will be on-site during drop-off time during searches and for a specified period of time each morning. Administrators will also be present at each search location. K-9 officer teams will also have a presence.
  • New ID badges will be printed and delivered to students within the week. Student badges will include safety code reminders added to the back of the ID, and students will be required to wear ID badges at all times.
  • Weapon detection systems and scanners for entrances will be researched and implemented as soon as possible.

RCS will provide additional and more specific information to parents via the RCS PowerSchool messaging service on Saturday. Additional information regarding the implementation of these security protocols will be posted on the RHS Facebook page on Saturday.

Rome City Schools is committed to the safety and security of its students, faculty, and staff.