Bronxville Schools to Begin Implementing New Security Measures

The Bronxville School District is preparing to begin implementing a series of new security enhancements designed to protect its 1,700 students, officials announced.

“We wanted to strengthen our controls over access to the facility,” said Superintendent David Quattrone in a statement. “After a thorough consultation with the safety committee and the Bronxville chief of police, we figured out how best to make such enhancements.”

Next week, the district will begin taking the following steps:

1. As of September 16, all school entrances will remain locked until 7:30 a.m. except the Atrium entrance on Meadow Avenue. Students may use the Meadow Avenue entrance but must remain in the cafeteria. (Staff members have access to the building via school identification badges.)
2. As of September 28th only students will be permitted to enter the building at the beginning of the day. Aides will be available to help guide younger students to their classrooms.
3. As of September 28, all visitors, including parents, will be asked to present their driver’s licenses to enter the school. Greeters at each entrance will use ID scanners to conduct an instant background check on all visitors and produce a temporary photo ID visitor’s pass.

Additionally, Quattrone clarified procedures that regulate public access to Chambers Field and the track. “We needed more signage and a clearer description of the rules,” Quattrone said.

The field and track are reserved for school use during recess, physical education instruction, athletic practices and contests. The School employs a security firm, Securitas, to assist with enforcement during the day. The field and track are closed daily at 7 p.m.

These improvements continue a number of safety enhancements introduced by the District, including security cameras, panic buttons at entrances, a lock replacement program, visitor screening technology and shatterproof window coatings. The District monitors its safety program through a standing committee of parent representatives, faculty, and police and fire officials.