District 303 Considers Security Upgrades At Schools

St. Charles District 303 is looking at security upgrades for its schools. The Business Service Committee heard a presentation on the proposed upgrades to school building security during a March 22 meeting. If approved by the school board, the additional layers of security will be put in place during the summer months, according to a news release.

Recommended upgrades will limit visitor access to school buildings and include securable interior vestibule
doors. In addition, there will be installation of 3M Safety and Security Window Film on interior vestibule
glass doors and windows, and more secure checkpoints for visitors entering the building and interacting with
office staff.

The district plans to use land cash revenue from the capital projects fund to pay for the upgrades, with an
estimated cost of $1 million, according to a news release.

Safety and security protocols, including comprehensive safety plans have always been in place in District
303, school officials said. Both district and school personnel have participated in on-site training provided by the Illinois School & Campus Safety Resource Center.

Because of recent changes in the school safety arena, the district has made the decision to include members
of the broader community in the discussion. A safety task force made up of school district officials, staff members, parents, and local municipal police and fire agencies has been created. This task force will serve as a standing committee for the district, meeting regularly to review current security processes, research new options, evaluate changes in legislation and policies related to school safety, and make recommendations to enhance safety and security in D303 schools, according to the news release.

District 303 Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson said he appreciates that many community members have expressed an interest in participating.

"We are fortunate to have parents and community leaders in St. Charles who are willing to commit their time to assist us in developing ideas that will improve our secure learning environments, while still maintaining a welcoming atmosphere in our schools," Pearson said.

Photo via District 303