News Summary

As students return to school in Aiken County, safety is a top priority. The district has implemented upgraded security measures, including new vestibules, increased School Resource Officers, and enhanced emergency preparedness protocols. With a focus on both safety and academic enrichment, schools aim to foster a secure and engaging environment for students. Community leaders emphasize the importance of safety while looking forward to structural improvements in the coming year.

Aiken County, S.C. students have returned to school for the 2025 academic year, filled with excitement and eagerness to learn after a brief summer break. This year’s return focuses heavily on enhanced safety measures to ensure the well-being of students and staff alike.

As the school year launches, Superintendent Corey Murphy has highlighted that safety is the highest priority for parents, educators, and district officials. In response to community concerns and previous safety incidents, various upgrades have been implemented across schools in the district. Among these, the introduction of vestibules at front entrances of many schools requires visitors to check in at the office before gaining access to the facilities.

Julie Revelle, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools, noted the critical importance of verifying visitor identification to determine their purpose for being on school grounds. This summer, the district successfully added three new vestibules to elementary schools, further enhancing security protocols.

In addition to these upgrades, the district plans to increase the number of School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools. Currently, Aiken County has 16 SROs stationed at high schools and most middle schools, with officers also actively involved in safety and mentorship for students. Regular training and drills for school staff and law enforcement ensure an effective response during emergencies.

The district’s commitment to safety extends beyond human resources. Plans are in place to expand camera systems and other safety measures across all educational facilities in the area. This initiative is partially funded by an extension of a one-cent sales tax that supports multiple safety and enhancement projects within the district. The implementation of a new communications and audio enhancement system has also been completed, aimed at ensuring effective engagement and safety.

A focus on academic enrichment continues alongside safety enhancements. As part of this endeavor, the local school district is working to improve middle school academics to accommodate steady enrollment growth, while ensuring that students feel safe and secure. Parents have expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety regarding the return to school; although many are optimistic about the new security measures, others are apprehensive about how the changes may affect their children’s educational environment.

New leadership at schools articulates a vision for growth and community engagement. Karen Fiery, the new principal of New Ellenton Middle, emphasizes a reinvigoration of the school’s STEAM focus, working diligently to strengthen ties within the community. Similarly, Mel Bradley, a teacher at Mossy Creek Elementary, looks forward to creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment for students.

In addition to focusing on safety and academics, the district is also planning for structural improvements. North Augusta Middle School is set to be rebuilt, with plans for new auditoriums and multi-purpose buildings underway for other schools in the region.

Emergency preparedness remains a crucial component of the district’s safety strategy. Regular emergency drills, including lockdown and fire drills, are conducted to familiarize students and staff with appropriate responses to potential threats. Furthermore, discussions around reviving the DARE program aim to enhance drug awareness among students.

Vicky Gaskins has been appointed as the new director of security and emergency operations, tasked with overseeing and refining district-wide safety measures. The district is dedicated to continuously reviewing and updating student conduct policies and safety protocols to meet the evolving needs of the school community.

As students return to Aiken County schools, the overarching message is clear: safety is paramount. With a blend of innovative practices and a proactive stance on security, the district aims to foster an enriching, safe environment for all students.

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Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken County kids go back to school new year
• WFXG: Aiken County went back to school with safety in mind
• MSN: New school year brings new safety measures in Aiken County
• Wikipedia: School safety
• Encyclopedia Britannica: School

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.