CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Mecklenburg County commissioners unanimously approved to release $4.5 million to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for school security improvements.

• The district had already received some money
• Commissioners applauds the district for these improvements
• The overhaul will start at Charlotte East Language Academy

The district had already received some money, this was the other half placed in restricted contingency by the county during the budget process.

One of the biggest upgrades that requires the most money includes an overhaul of school surveillance. Superintendent Dr. Clayton Wilcox said its going to be a hybrid system that features "panic cards" on teacher lanyards. If touched, they can activate classroom cameras and contact proper administrators or authorities based on what's going on.

Commissioners applauds the district for these improvements.

"I tell you it sounds really pretty exciting, the panic piece of it and that's pretty amazing," said Jim Puckett.

"My job is to make sure that we provide the funds for you to do it to make sure our babies, the most valuable thing we have - our children - are our future. I commend you for what you have done," commissioner Vilma Leake said.

That overhaul will start at Charlotte East Language Academy within the coming weeks. Several other high schools are next.