This school plans to introduce new security measures beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. These changes will be both technological and procedural, according to Principal John Williams.

On the technological side, the school plans to upgrade door locks. Currently, Doors 2 and 13 are unlocked during the school day, but next year administrators and maintenance staff will lock every door in the school. Additionally, the doors will be installed with buzzers and security cameras. When a visitor needs to enter, a secretary will see him through a security camera near the door and open the door using the buzzer.

On the policy side, administrators intend to introduce guidelines by which staff members can better identify themselves. Williams said the policy would help differentiate faculty from those who do not belong in the building if an emergency situation ever arises.

“If somebody’s intent on doing something and they’re not worried about getting caught, they will do it,” he said. “The president has to go out in public. Schools have to open their doors. Theaters have to let people in. You can’t let your life be dictated by worrying. But within reason, you have to be as safe as you can.”

Phil Hobson, police officer and school security consultant, added that the school will review and update the district-wide security plan document as it does every year. However, he emphasized that the most important part of security is not technology or policy or guidelines, but the open relationship between every member of the school.

“Students feel comfortable talking to teachers about any problems they see,” Hobson said. “Our kids take responsibility with school safety. There are 5,000 people in this building and only four officers, so that’s imperative.”

For more information on previous school safety measure’s check out HiLite‘s previous stories