SALINAS, Calif. -- It's a parent's worst nightmare. A school shooting. Friday, a school of parents in Connecticut experienced that tragedy. The questions on many parents mind on the Central Coast: Can it happen here? How safe are the schools?
The Salinas City Elementary School District said its doing everything to keep your kids safe.
"Its not inexpensive, but its something we are doing and we continue to do," said Jerry Stratton, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the district.
The district gave Central Coast News a firsthand look at their security measures at Gabilan Elementary.
With the help from local bonds and a "Cop's grant," since 2010, the district has been transforming their schools to improve their security measures.
Some schools have electronic gates that open with a card, that only teachers and administrators have.
All classrooms in all schools in the districts, have doors with "Columbine locks." With these "Columbine locks," teachers can lock their door from inside their classroom, and if an intruder tries to break in, they won't be able to.
"We've created something that we think is aesthetically pleasing and yet we have passive and active security measures in place that will stop folks who don't need to be here," said Stratton.
The district has even re-designed some schools to make the front office the only entry for visitors.
"That enhances security by having a meet and greet station at the front," said Stratton.
Costing $100,000 per school, the district said the upgrades aren't over.
"When your kids come into our schools, they are secure. They are safe and learning is going on," said Stratton.
