April, 2024
When school districts go through major renovations or build a new school from the ground up, it takes years. There is a planning stage, a design stage, and finally the construction stage – I am certain I left a stage or two out of this example. Nevertheless, there are multiple contracts in place for architects, construction management, etc., and consultants that provide a number of different services. Why would large school safety and security projects be any different? I have said for quite some time that any successful school safety and emergency management program takes years to properly develop. Schools and school districts that are considering such projects or any other large safety and security project should, at minimum, engage a highly regarded school safety consultant that can bring balance to the conversation – to pull back the curtain and help schools and school districts ask the right questions. If millions of dollars are at stake then spending a few dollars on sound advice makes sense from a business perspective.
A secured school perimeter is only effective when operational practices maintain its integrity. This case highlights how opening an unattended gate before dismissal can create serious school safety, security, and standard-of-care concerns.
