Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) Program through IDHS fully funded for 2024!

Even as we were receiving the final $28,000 reimbursement from IDHS for upgrades made in 2023, work was underway to expand these security and safety upgrades.

KEYLESS ACCESS

The “backbone” of our recent security upgrades is the installation of keyless access and monitoring systems for our school building.

The exterior points of entry and exits were the target of efforts in fiscal year 2023. In 2024, we are expanding the system to cover classrooms and the library. In a future year, we plan to expand again to large-group gathering spaces (e.g. cafeteria and gymnasium).

(The “performance period” for the grant for FY2023 began on September 1, 2022. Projects had to be completed by August 31, 2023. There is a similar timeframe for FY2024.)

MORE ACCESS & MORE SECURITY

In the past, more access using an actual key meant less security, since everyone with a key to a door had 24/7 access.

Now that access is controlled through a keycard or shared access card, that access can be limited to certain days and even for only a few hours on those days.

SECURING PEOPLE

In the past, we focused on securing empty buildings (i.e. locking doors after hours). Now our focus is keeping people safe, especially our students.

With a combination of door closures, magnetic hold opens, and keyless access, classroom doors are locked and closed during periods of instruction.

A hall pass enables students to re-enter a classroom easily, so the door can remain locked while the student goes to the school office or restroom. Individual keycards for middle school students mean that they can move from classroom to classroom while still keeping the doors mostly closed and locked.

In the coming weeks, “panic buttons” will be installed in both the church and school offices. In the event of an intruder, staff can easily “lock down” the building preventing unauthorized access to interior rooms.