RICHMOND, Va. WRIC — It’s that time of year again—parents across Virginia are packing school supplies and sending their kids off to school. While some families feel relieved, others may feel a bit anxious about the new school year.
8News spoke with school leaders in Central Virginia to learn about their plans to keep students safe during the 2024-25 school year.
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We appreciate that families trust us with their children, said Amy Cashwell, superintendent of Henrico County Public Schools. We’re always focused on school security.”
For the first time, Henrico County students will use ID cards to ride buses, access certain areas, and check out resources. All students, regardless of age, will go through weapons detectors each morning.
We want students to leave anything that could be a weapon at home, Cashwell said.
Richmond Public Schools RPS will also have similar scanners at middle and high school entrances, and RPS students will need to use clear backpacks.
This is a safe place for our children, said Timothy Vaughn, principal of Thomas Boushall Middle School in Richmond.
In addition to these measures, schools in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Hanover counties are focusing on building a strong community. They encourage students to report bullying and are prioritizing mental health resources. Chesterfield and Henrico have also expanded their camera systems and improved entrance security.
School officials want parents to know: We are ready to welcome our students, said Chesterfield County School Board Chair Dot Heffron. We’re here to support and care for them,added Cashwell. When students walk through these doors, they will feel loved,said Vaughn.
Schools across the area, including Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Petersburg, have emphasized the importance of school resource officers. Some districts will have more officers and law enforcement members on site this year to enhance safety.