NEWPORT-Two issues of prime importance-school security and school bullying-received the attention of members of the Cocke County Board of Education during their meeting Thursday night at the Central Office.

Casey Kelley, Cocke County School System Safety Coordinator, told the board that during the monthly principals' meeting on Jan. 22, the current lock-down procedures will be reviewed.

"We have talked with Sheriff (Armando) Fontes," said Kelley, "and will be talking with other entities that provide safety to our community and set a time for them to tour our buildings and let us know what we can do to improve security."

"We continue to impress upon our teachers and staff the importance of knowing their surroundings. If they see something strange or spot someone in the building who shouldn't be there, they must report these things."

For more details, please see the weekend edition of the Newport Plain Talk.