To ease concerns about school shootings, millions of dollars were spent this summer on security in the second largest public school district in Massachusetts.
Locks on exterior and interior doors in Springfield’s 60 school buildings have been upgraded and more surveillance cameras have been added.
Superintendent of Schools Dan Warwick said the buildings are more secure now than ever before.
"We have invested well and I think the parents can be assured their kids will be safe," Warwick said in an interview Thursday.
The city said a total of $45 million will be spent this new academic year on school renovations. The work includes new windows at some buildings, roof replacements, upgrades to heating systems, and complete makeovers to auditoriums and gymnasiums.
Much of the work is being paid for the Massachusetts School Building Authority.