With an eye toward enhancing safety and security, the Fayette County Board of Education on Feb. 22 approved expenditures of $395,000 for two-way radio amplifiers and security cameras.

The security upgrades included $80,000 for two-way bi-directional radio amplifiers and $315,000 for additional security cameras and access control systems.

Superintendent Jody Barrow during the discussion said the upgrades will offer another layer of security for schools.

School system Coordinator for Safety, Athletics and Discipline Ted Lombard in a Feb. 18 letter said, “School administrators and members of our law enforcement and emergency services community have registered concerns about their inability to communicate within certain school buildings and have expressed their concerns about potential safety issues if better communications cannot be established.”

The equipment is needed at seven schools.

The purchase of additional security cameras and access control systems for schools was also approved by the school board.

“I think the security upgrades will make a big difference with safety,” said Deputy Superintendent Sam Sweat, noting that the input to add additional cameras came from law enforcement. “I think this will get us in good shape.”

The decision on how to utilize the new cameras will be made by school principals.

The purchases will be funded from SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) revenues.