Security upgrades planned for Norris, Grand Oaks

October 28, 2026 by Ben Pounds

Two Anderson County schools, Norris Elementary and Grand Oaks Elementary, plan to add security vestibules to help keep students and staff safe.

A security vestibule is a secure entry area that visitors must pass through before entering a school. Staff members can screen visitors before granting them access to the building.

Anderson County Schools Director Tim Parrott told the County Commission at its Oct. 19 meeting that the school system is updating existing vestibules and planning to add them to the two remaining schools that do not have them.

Other schools with vestibules include the new Claxton Elementary, Lake City Elementary, Head Start, prekindergarten facilities, Norwood Middle and Clinch River Community School.

Parrott described vestibules as an “extra layer of security” that can buy staff members time to initiate lockdown procedures or alert law enforcement if an intruder attempts to enter a school.

Parrott told commissioners that work was progressing on the Grand Oaks Elementary vestibule and that Norris Elementary was expected to have its vestibule installed around Christmas.

However, Ryan Sutton, the school system’s public relations coordinator, told The Courier News on Oct. 22 that Norris Elementary has a purchase order in place for $39,842.50, but the project remains in the scheduling phase, with no installation date set.

“On the flip side, Grand Oaks received a quote of $115,500, which was substantially higher than anticipated,” Sutton said. “Options under consideration include obtaining another quote or completing the work in phases. The final cost and installation schedule therefore remain undetermined.”

Adding a security vestibule can be a lengthy process because of engineering requirements, fire marshal approval and contractor scheduling.

Parrott’s and Sutton’s comments come amid heightened concerns about student safety.

“I know that we all saw the tragedy out west about the school shooting,” Parrott said.

He said the school system was “so blessed” to have a school resource officer in every school.

“Prayers are always wanted and needed to make sure our kids are safe,” Parrott said, regardless of the security measures in place.