Safety and Security of students and staff has always been one of the focal points of Aiken County Public Schools (ACPS) and will continue to be enhanced with the addition of the Director of Security and Emergency Management, a newly created role for the 2022-23 school year that will be filled by Vicky Gaskins.
The Aiken County Board of Education approved her appointment during the school board’s June 21, 2022, special called meeting.
Gaskins, a Silver Bluff High School alumna, is heavily invested in the community. She spent the last 24 years of her career serving the residents of Aiken County through various roles in the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department, including deputy, school resource officer (SRO), juvenile investigator, and lieutenant.
“My Passion has always been centered around helping and protecting children and investing in their lives,” Gaskins stated. “I have served the citizens of Aiken County in a role of advocation and protection of children for more than 20 years, and feel that this newly created position is just an extension of the service that I have loved throughout my career at the Sheriff's Office.”
The need for the newly created position was imminent according to ACPS Chief Officer of Operations and Student Services Dr. Corey Murphy.
“We are extremely excited to have Ms. Gaskins joining our team as the Director of Security and Emergency Management,” Murphy said. “Several larger districts in the state have had a person serving in this capacity for years and we had a definite need for a more deliberate focus and expertise in the area of physical security and safety procedures.”
As the director, Gaskins will be responsible for monitoring district-wide security operations, coordinating with local law enforcement and emergency management agencies, assisting with school and district investigations, overseeing security audits, and leading all ACPS personnel during emergency situations.
“Having an expert with the background that Ms. Gaskins has in both school operations and law enforcement will help to ensure we are kept abreast of any developing issues or trends in school safety, as well as establish a direct reporting link between law enforcement and the school district,” Murphy stated.
Gaskins will also be a liaison for SROs and school safety monitor programs and ensure safety and security protocols are being followed during public events, including sports and other extracurricular activities.
“As an Investigator and Lieutenant in the Juvenile Division, I’ve been able to develop collaborative relationships with district employees,” Gaskins said. “I currently serve as the liaison between the district office and the sheriff's office communicating about matters involving SROs and the role they play in our schools, including security and emergency situations. I will continue being a liaison for the district, and look forward to working with school administrators to create the best course of action for all situations.”
Gaskins said her initial goal is to assess ACPS emergency plans, identify any safety concerns, and begin to formulate a course of action to improve or address these concerns. Gaskins duties will begin mid-July.
LINK TO DISTRICT PRESS RELEASE: 2022 PR Director of Security Emergency Management