District 99 Introduces New Safety Measures For 2018-19

DOWNERS GROVE, IL— In the wake of February's mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, District 99 made it a priority to improve safety at its schools. According to a news release from district superintendent Hank Thiele, many of the safety and security initiatives will be in place when school begins for the 2018-19 school year.

These new security improvements include adding on two lead security officers to head up building and security personnel. Dan Niemann, who worked as a sergeant, commander, tactical officer, and detective with the Vernon Hills and Des Plaines Police Departments will be posted up at Downers Grove South High School. Russ Rau, a retired veteran of Downers Grove Police Department, will work at Downers Grove North.

The schools will also benefit from increased safety via technological updates. Throughout both Downers North and Downers South, students and staff can access blue alarm boxes that notify local law enforcement when activated. The alarm boxes, which will be installed in the district's Transition 99 Center as well, will also trigger strobe lights and emergency broadcast announcements.

As an added measure, faculty and staff will be set up with an app called "CrisisGo." The app will allow staff to communicate internally, alert law enforcement, and share updates during potential crises.

The entries to both high schools in District 99 have been equipped with pass-through windows at which visitors must be screened and checked in before entering the buildings. Other entryways will be covered with a one-way security film that allows those inside the schools to see outside, but will prevent those outside from seeing in.

In a statement, Thiele said these safety enhancements are just the start of the security changes planned in District 99. Future improvements include further fortifying entrances and building a closer relationship with law enforcement.

Thiele said, "We believe these important improvements complement and reinforce our safety practices, and will give our students, staff and families an even greater sense of safety inside our buildings."

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