HOWARD, S.D. (AP) — The Howard School District has a new security system.

The Mitchell Daily Republic reports that the controlled access system for the elementary, junior high and senior high buildings cost more than $70,000. A Homeland Security grant covered about half of the project.

The system requires teachers and other staff members to use a key fob to get into each entrance. The doors to the schools had previously been unlocked during the day.

Superintendent Todd Lee says the school district is always looking for ways to make the environment safer for students.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KXRB