Schools are the cornerstone of our communities. The hardest part of sending kids off to school used to be a parent’s nostalgic sigh that they were growing up too fast. However, the world has changed dramatically in the past two decades. Parents, teachers and administrators are increasingly concerned about ensuring safety in our schools. Educational institutions face new and more complex challenges to maintain up-to-date safety measures and they must address them with limited budgets.
Grant Money for Upgrading Security
Schools are reevaluating their safety needs in the wake of recent and devastating events at schools around the nation. Buildings that are more than 25 years old are a weak spot because they were designed and built before many current safety concerns were a consideration. State governments are recognizing the need to aid schools in their security improvements. Many governors and state legislatures – including Massachusetts and New Hampshire – are earmarking funds to be distributed as grants to schools seeking to improve their school security solutions. Learn more about the availability of grants for NH Public Schools for school safety and Governor Baker announcing grant money availability for MA Public School security systems and upgrades.
These funds do not come with specific plans for school safety requirements, but rather guidelines that need to be reviewed by individual school districts to formulate an updated safety plan. School safety plans should not be developed as a knee-jerk reaction to recent events. A school safety plan should be a comprehensive approach that addresses the best responses to a variety of emergencies. This process starts with a full evaluation of security systems, often by school safety officers and administrators.
Take a Logical Approach: Plan, Assess, Design and then Install
There is a great deal of information being published about what will make schools safer, but there is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to school safety. Each school – and school district – is unique. With so many companies offering security services and so many options for products available, schools need to partner with a proven expert who will guide you to the products that meet the security needs of your school. Whether you have systems in place that need upgrading or if you need additional security products, an expert should guide you through the process.
Most schools do not need to start from scratch to improve their security. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2015-2016 school year 94% of all US public schools had security measures in place. KTS can partner with you to build on the existing communications infrastructure to add the security that is required. KTS has a track record of proven, practical solutions to meet your needs and budget.
Cellular BDAs Solve a Common Security Risk
One important addition that many schools find they need are BDAs (bi-directional amplifiers) which guarantee that your cellular coverage extends to all areas of your campus so that everyone can receive mass notifications and reach 911. Most schools struggle with poor cell coverage. In the past this was a mixed blessing because it kept kids off their phones during school, but now it is imperative that everyone has a cell signal in the event of an emergency. BDAs are a simple, cost-effective investment in your school’s safety. BDAs provide reliable cell coverage and peace of mind.
Access control systems are another area where the experts at KTS can build on the existing infrastructure. Key cards and biometric options provide the ability to limit and authorize access; electronic records are kept so security personnel can review and retrieve records including date and time stamps. Technology changes rapidly so an evaluation of your access control system is a key step in securing your campus.
Comprehensive and Practical School Security Solutions
KTS specializes in designing and installing comprehensive and practical security solutions for schools. For over 35 years, we have partnered with educational institutions. We take a practical approach to evaluating your security and the systems you have in place. KTS will work with you to make sure you upgrade and add what is needed to keep your students safe while keeping your budget in mind.
KTS understands your security issues and we’re here to help you update your security needs to keep your staff and students safe. If you are interested in learning more about partnering with KTS to update your school security contact us.
