Lexington, SC (WLTX) - New safety measures are in place at Lexington-Richland School District Five after the stands were evacuated during a high school football game last week.
A rumor of shots being fired was spread across social media Friday during the Dutch Fork High vs. Irmo High football game. While the incident is still under investigation, deputies say no guns were found and no weapon was fired.
As a precaution, everyone was cleared from the stadium. The district also notified parents by automated message saying it was a false rumor.
Now, these new safety measures will take place at varsity sporting events:
- The district will implement handheld metal detectors to screen all spectators, beginning with varsity football games at Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo high schools.
- Bags also will be subject to searches at designated entry points, in line with state statute permitting “reasonable search” of any person entering school premises.
- Admission will be charged throughout the duration of games.
- All students 8th grade or younger will now be required to attend games with parents or guardians.
- School Resource Officers also will travel with teams at away games.
Additional procedures may be an option in the future, but these short-term measures will be implemented this week.
“We take safety and security very seriously,” said School District Five Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton. “After listening to the concerns of our parents, staff, community members and school board members over the weekend; we met with our high school principals, district safety officers and other key district staff to take immediate action and implement new safety measures.”
The district also says certain safety measures were already in place, including law enforcement presence at sporting events and making school and district staff aware of evacuation protocol.
