Some classroom doors at Hardin Valley Elementary and Middle schools are equipped with a removable magnetic strip that prevents the doors from automatically locking, creating a security risk that goes against state recommendations.
The revelation, confirmed by two parents with children at the schools, is relevant after a former student roamed the halls and entered classrooms at Hardin Valley Academy and the elementary school March 16. He was later arrested, and Knox News reported no lockdown was ordered during the security breaches and parents were not told until more than a week later.
The strips can be removed in an emergency, but would require someone to act urgently in a crisis. Knox News could not determine how many classroom doors are equipped with the strips that override the lock feature or whether they are used in other schools. The inexpensive strips can be purchased online…