Beginning after fall break, no one will be allowed to enter the school property before 2:30 at most schools. Greenback and Loudon High Schools would be 2:45. This will not apply to early pick up.

The concern from the safety committee was if there were an emergency or an incident requiring law enforcement or emergency personnel, all the vehicles and persons on campus could become an issue to be dealt with. The safety committee is made up of the sheriff, law enforcement, emergency services and BOE administrators.

The safety committee also recommended to add an additional lane going into Eatons and North Middle schools. The reason being, in the mornings and afternoons both entry lanes are filled with cars and if any emergencies developed, responders could not get to the buildings. The cost of the new lane was estimated to be $108,000.00. The board voted to install the new lane. 

Below is a statement from director of schools, Mike Garren:

The Loudon County Board of Education continually works with all of our city and county first responders to evaluate safety protocols at our schools as we strive to provide the safest environment for our students.

As part of many other strategies to improve safety on campuses, the Board of Education has voted to begin queuing in our car pick-up lines 30 minutes prior to dismissal. This new protocol will begin Monday, October 17 immediately following Fall Break.

We appreciate your cooperation in not parking in traffic lines or parking spaces until 30 minutes prior to dismissal each day according to specific school procedures.

Each school will be communicating to you via phone, website, and school social media pages.  Parents are still welcome to participate in all the things they would normally do in the schools, and they can pick up their kids for appointments or if they are sick just like normal.

Mike Garren