VERMILION PARISH, KATC — As part of a three-year effort to enhance safety across its schools, Vermilion Parish is completing the final phase of significant security upgrades, aimed at protecting students, faculty, and staff. The project, which has been strongly supported by the school board, is funded by a $500,000 state grant along with additional funds.
“We added fences at nine schools, creating opportunities that will funnel visitors to the front door,” said Tommy Byler, Superintendent of Vermilion Parish Schools. “We’ve also installed vestibules at schools that didn’t have them before, and added call buttons and security cameras.”
The new measures come in response to growing concerns about safety in schools nationwide. “The world is getting crazy, so it’s a good thing to have,” Phoenix Baudoin, a senior at Abbeville High School said, referring to the security upgrades.
The centerpiece of the new safety system is a waiting area dubbed “The Box” by students located at the front entrance of each school. After entering, visitors must be buzzed in and wait in the designated space before being cleared for entry. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring all visitors to check in before gaining direct access to students and faculty.