Lynchburg City Schools stressing student safety, ahead of new school year

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Lynchburg City Schools are working to make safety a top priority this upcoming school year, and the administration said that's going to take a team effort.

"When you talk with most kids, they're like I don't want anything like that to happen in our building," Dr. Crystal Edwards, Superintendent of Lynchburg City Schools said.

After the tragic violence, we've seen this year across the country, Lynchburg City School leaders are making sure it never hits our area.

First, they are creating digital maps of all the school buildings. They are also teaming up with law enforcement.

RELATED: Staffing challenges raises concerns for Lynchburg City Schools ahead of new year

"Our LPD force is committed to working with us," Dr. Edwards said.

The schools are also cracking down on visitor protocol, including keeping doors open for others.

"We can no longer do that in a time like now. Even if you know the person. I say we're not being rude, we're being safe," Dr. Edwards said.

They are also using software called 'Gaggle.' It goes through any school-related content, like emails or web searches, and flags concerning language or photos, sending an alert to the administration.

RELATED: LCS gives update on Facilities Master Plan, develops Equity Task Force

"We do have gaggle in place, which looks at school correspondence. Unfortunately, it does not look at social media," school board member Dr. Robert Brennan said.

"That's where you can help, if you see something, say something," Dr. Edwards said.

"They have sent us Facebook screenshots, Instagram shots, pics, neighborhood photos, whatever it is that's concerning our citizens. They have worked with us and we have responded," Dr. Edwards said.

School superintendents in the surrounding areas are also meeting with local law enforcement and lawmakers on Aug. 11 for a safety summit, to learn more about how they can keep students and staff as safe as possible.