New Aiken County schools director of security talks safety, reviewing current protocols

Aug. 2—The Aiken County Public School District is focused on safety and security.

That's what Vicky Gaskins, the new director of security and emergency management for the school district, said was one of the first things she learned when starting with the district. In this newly created position, her role is to implement safety protocols, safety measures and other aspects regarding safety.

Since starting in mid-July, she's been working on is reviewing the current protocols in place.

"I'm currently meeting with all of the principals doing site assessments and looking at the concerns they have so that I can evaluate and make recommendations to address those concerns," Gaskins said.

While reviewing protocols, Gaskins said she's checking to see if there's anything that can be done better, implementing any changes if needed, and addressing concerns. Her main goal is to communicate with parents and community members about the protocols currently in place so they can feel secure with letting students come to the schools.

"Just making sure the public knows what those roles are, how they are responding, how they are already protecting," Gaskins said. "That was one of the first things I learned when I came over here is Aiken County — in meeting with all the principals, meeting with admin — they are safety and security focused.

"That was reassuring coming in as a parent and this role, that Aiken County school district is already focused on security and safety. Just getting that message out to the parents, I think, will alleviate some fears," she said.

Gaskins added that the school district has a response plan in place for different emergencies, including natural disasters and intruder drills.

"They're doing safety meetings quarterly at each school to address any concerns," Gaskins said. "There's already threat assessments that are done anytime there's a student threat — that practice uses best practice models. They already have things in place; I think we just need to get those words out so parents can feel secure."

Other safety measures include intercom access to all schools, having a place for visitors to check-in and checking the sex offender registry as they come in, she said.

Another aspect of Gaskins' job will be working with the school resource officers (SROs). She previously oversaw the SROs when she worked at the Aiken County Sheriff's Office.

There is a yearly meeting planned to go over the roles and responsibilities of an SRO, she said.

"They are governed by law enforcement, but they work so closely with the administration in the school; and we just kind of go over how that relationship can be the best partner for the community, students and law enforcement for the safety of the students," she said.

While there currently is not an SRO in each school, that is a goal for the school district.

"The state is providing funding each year; they're adding additional funding, and that is the state mandated goal for an SRO at every school," Gaskins said. "Aiken County school district is applying for the funding as it becomes available each and every year."

Since starting her position with the school district, Gaskins said everybody has been very welcoming.

"The outpouring of support has been overwhelming for me as a person," Gaskins said. "But then, just coming in and realizing that everyone at this district is security focused, that's their top priority, ... that was very reassuring."

Gaskins who spent 24 years with the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, said she was interested in this position because it felt like the next step in protecting children.

"I was very satisfied in the position I held at the sheriff's office," she said. "... I have spent the last 24 years serving in a capacity of protecting and advocating for children; and this is just an extension of what I was already doing, and it was an opportunity. I work with the school district on a regular basis, so it just felt like the next step to broaden the horizons for advocating and protecting children."

Thanks to her previous roles as a lieutenant over the juvenile division with the sheriff's office, Gaskins said it gave her the tools and skills to apply to this new role.

"I worked in a school. I worked closely with the educators, so I understood their processes," Gaskins said. "I participated on our SWAT team, had active shooter training, responding to incidents at a school, so I have that background. I participated with our reunification team to create the model for the reunification of Aiken County. I have that relationship, and it just rolls into a different role."

As for what she wants parents to know, Gaskins said it's that if someone sees any type of threat or concern, they need to report it immediately; they shouldn't wait until the next morning.

If parents or guardians can't get in touch with anyone at the school district, she advises them to call law enforcement to report it. She also stressed the importance of keeping the lines of communications open with students and schools and reporting anything that could be dangerous to a person.

To report any concerns, Gaskins said a tip line will be put on the school districts main page.

Those with concerns can also call the school district at 803-641-2428 and ask for Gaskins so she can direct the concern where it needs to go.