NORTH JEFFERSON — In the wake of the shootings at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn. last week, Jefferson County Schools have increased security through at least the Christmas holidays.
The system, in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, announced that at least one deputy would be stationed at each school through the week.
Many schools, especially high schools, have a regular law-enforcement presence through the year with school resource officers.
In some cases, city police are also providing added security. That's the case at Snow Rogers Elementary, where principal Laura Ware said that a Gardendale Police officer is on duty.
Several other school systems in the metro area announced similar measures.
The stepped-up security comes after the killing of 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday. A gunman killed his mother in her sleep at their home, stole several guns belonging to her, and used them to gun down the victims at the school.
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