THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008
High Schools Mull Stepped Up Security Ideas
By TOM ROBB
Journal Reporter
Leyden High School Dist. 212 Supt. Dr. Kathryn Robbins discussed security measures that may be imposed at East and West Leyden high schools after a security audit was completed earlier this month.
The school board hired Paul Tim of RVTA Security to conduct surprise security audits at both the East and West campuses last January.
The board initially discussed security measures at its Thursday, Mar. 20 meeting but made no recommendations.
One of the recommendations from the audits was to improve the sign in process for visitors to the schools.
Currently, those who visit the schools during school hours are required to sign in and wear name badge stickers. They are not required to leave an ID.
Robbins discussed with the board the option of issuing lanyards to visitors and holding their driver's licenses or other IDs.
Staff might also have to wear lanyards, or badges on a string, around their neck.
"I don't love the look but I think we need it," said Robbins. "I want to know who's supposed to be here and who's not."
Robbins suggested staff lanyards might have a breakaway neck chord and clip for staff incase they are involved in an altercation.
The board discussed other options for contractors working at the school possibly using armbands, as lanyards hanging from the neck may cause a hazard.
The board said that security check in is only required during school hours when 2,000 students are on property and not in the evenings when the school is sparsely populated.
The board said the sign in procedures may be waved for large school events. They suggested that, as those are often confined to a small area they would be easier to monitor.
One of the challenges discussed was how to proceed when a visitor comes to school when security is manning the check in desk but leaves after the check in is shut down.
Robbins and her staff will continue to study the recommendations from Tim and may make recommendations at a future school board meeting.
Tim's firm was paid $4,000 to conduct surprise audits studying security practices at both schools.