ACS’s increased security caused by concern over violence

WADESBORO — Last week, Anson County Schools announced new safety measures for sporting events due to concerns over violence reported at schools across the state.

Effective September 27, all spectators may be subject to a security wand search prior to entry into any athletic facility within Anson County Schools, all bags will not be allowed in the facilities (bookbags, satchels, fanny packs, backpacks, athletic bags, tote bags, or others), there will be no re-entry to the game after exiting the athletic event, and the school district reserves the right to deny entry to any athletic event if someone fails to comply with the procedures.

Superintendent Howard McLean said that the new measures were put in place because of recent shootings that have been reported in neighboring counties and school districts, which he said involved retaliation related to sports. He did not name specific events that caused him concern, though regional media have reported multiple shootings that have allegedly stemmed from disputes among school-age teens. For example in Charlotte, a 3-year-old was killed and his 4-year-old sister was wounded as a result of a stray bullet during a drive-by shooting in Charlotte earlier this month and a 16-year-old was killed and two others were injured in a shooting earlier this month with a 14-year-old being charged with the crime.

McLean met with Wadesboro Police Chief Thedis Spencer, Anson High School Principal Chris Stinson, Athletic Director Randy Jordan, and of course with the school resource officer to talk about security at Friday night football games.

“We need to do more than what we’re doing now,” McLean said. “During that same time [of the meeting] we did have a situation that called me to even look further into more security at football games. That’s what started our focus on bags and transparency.”

School system leadership will monitor and reassess the policy as needed.

“I like to go and visit every few weeks to see if it’s working, see if it needs to be adjusted, or see if we need to go a different route,” McLean added.

For more information, contact McLean at mclean.howard@anson.k12.nc.us or 704-694-4417 ext.1903.