Lincoln County Schools reports security upgrades, potential cell-tower revenue and accessibility project

Superintendent Frank Barnett told the Lincoln County Board of Education on Jan. 6, 2026, that the district has installed security "man traps" at three schools and is pursuing interim measures and capital work to extend similar security features where feasible.

Barnett said the man trap at Lincoln County High School should be completed this month or in February and that man traps already are in place at the new Duval School, at the board office and at another site he referenced. He said Hamlin Pre K–8 lacks a man trap because of the building’s configuration and cost and that, as an interim step, a deputy will spend two hours a day, five days a week at Hamlin to provide a law-enforcement presence and mentoring for students.

Barnett also said a company is exploring siting a cell-phone/utility tower behind the football field and is seeking a 100-by-100-foot easement; "we will generate an income of $1,000 a month, for that easement," he said.

On accessibility and student-led projects, Barnett said he has contacted the state and the Benedum Foundation about whether secondary-block funding could allow the district’s welding and carpentry programs to purchase and install a wheelchair-ready swing at West Hamlin. He estimated the swing itself costs about $13,000 and that installation would add another $6,000–$8,000.

Barnett also noted facility updates such as new fuel pumps that were installed and awaiting calibration. Board members thanked staff and discussed next steps for parent notification around the SRO presence and potential grant exploration.

Personnel actions, including the departure of two principals (Miss Blair from Hart and Mr. Ferguson from the high school) and the reassignment of 'Kim' to Logan as elementary director, were approved earlier in the meeting as part of the personnel agenda.