On Wednesday, it was back to school for the Orcutt Union School District, and it also was the same day new security and safety measures were put in place.
Orcutt Union School District Superintendent Deborah Blow says four of the ten schools have new perimeter fencing aimed at increasing safety on campus. She says all of the schools in the district will eventually get new fencing.
"The whole objective with this project is during the school day, when our students and staff are present, there is only one way in and one way out of the school and that is through the school office," Blow said.
While the fencing does restrict people from entering and leaving campus, Patterson Road Elementary School Principal Julie Kozel says it helps in other ways.
"It also just helps us keep track of who is here so if there was an emergency, we would know how many people were here and that everyone here has a purpose," Kozel said.
Libby Lindsay picked up her granddaughter from her first day of school at Patterson Road Elementary and said she's glad to see the district making an attempt to make the school a safer place.
"Well, I think safety is almost number one even over education. I didn't think I would ever be saying that," Lindsay said. "I don't know that the fencing is the answer but it sure is a good move in the right direction."
According to the superintendent, some of the schools also have new bus loops to help with traffic flow and congestion, especially during pick-up and drop-off times.
The public will have access to the fields and playgrounds at the schools after hours, but they will be closed during the regular school day.
