Brandon Twp.- In an effort to protect students from outside threats, school officials are increasing security measures district-wide.
The school board unanimously approved hiring ROK Systems at a cost not to exceed $130,000 to provide additional security at all student-occupied buildings in the district.
‘Every school will be covered with cameras and a buzz-in system,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘The whole idea is to discourage or slow down (an attack).?
School board members decided to pursue options for increased security following the Dec. 14 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Ct., in which 20 students and six staffmembers were shot to death.
The base bid by ROK Systems, the low bidder for the Brandon security project, includes a visitor’s management system at each building which allows all exterior doors to be locked. According to a letter from the Barton Malow Company, which evaluated bid proposals, upon arrival at main entrances, visitors will have to ‘buzz? the main office. School staff will be able to see and speak with each visitor to decide if access should be granted. If approved, staff will be able to release doors from inside the office.
The base bids also include a new access control system, video surveillance, and a new badge for each employee that permits entry with a swipe through card readers, which will be installed in various locations.
The new security measures will be paid for from funds left over from the $73 million bond passed by voters in 2006.