The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board will be installing video intercom security systems at dozens of its schools by the end of the year, at a total cost of approximately $150,000.

A buzzer with a camera at the front door will be connected to a camera interface within the school office, which will allow staff to restrict who can enter the building during school hours.

Debbie Buott-Matheson, a spokeswoman for the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board, said 17 elementary schools in the district have been using the system for the last four years.

Now, the same systems will be added to 26 other schools in the board — all schools that house elementary school students.

"It is a fairly simple system but it does provide a level of security that I think makes everyone in the school feel more comfortable," Buott-Matheson told CBC News.

Each system costs between $3,000 and $4,000, making the total cost of installing the systems about $150,000.

Kathy Manuel, the principal of Brookfield Elementary School, said no one has complained about the cost.

"The reaction has always been positive from parents," she told CBC News.

"When they come to the door, for the first time especially, and are using the system they often comment on how secure they feel their children are here at the school."

The Chignecto-Central Regional School Board is looking into how to implement the security systems at schools that also have more older students entering and exiting the buildings because of free periods.

"This day and age you just don't know. You don't know people. It's a different time and a different era than it was way back when," said Kim Sellars, a local parent.

"It makes me feel safe for my child."