MARSHALL COUNTY, Ky (WTVF) — Since the shooting at Marshall County High one year ago that killed students Bailey Hope and Preston Cope, the school has beefed up security in a big way, with a specific focus on what students themselves wanted to see.
Students at Marshall County High go through metal detectors each day, and they aren’t allowed to bring book bags or backpacks to school.
The school also has three sheriffs deputies in the building now, with two available at other schools in the county. Before the shooting, the entire school system had only one deputy functioning as a school resource officer.
The students themselves came up with many of these ideas, starting with bag searches last year, and ending with the permanently installed metal detectors.
“It definitely makes me feel better coming to school, knowing it’s going to be in a safe environment and it is obviously monitored,” said Alec Jones, a Marshall County High School Senior.
Superintendent Trent Lovett, who has deep roots in the community, fully backed the changes.
“Being from here, I know most every kid in the building, so you want to be strong for them too,” Lovett said.
