written by Beth Mlady
The Berea Board of Education has approved the purchase of new security software and equipment for six school buildings in the district.
Districtwide communications are under way to inform Berea City School District families of the coming change. It is anticipated that the new system will be operational in mid-January.
Safety grant funds will cover the majority of the costs.
“There really should be no change in what we ask of families when they come into the school,” Superintendent Tracy Wheeler emphasized to the school board at its Dec. 11 meeting.
“So, when someone comes in to check a student out at the front desk, they are asking for someone’s driver’s license. That has been common practice, so that should not be anything new.”
Previously conducted Ohio Schools Council security gap analyses identified where improvements were needed, Wheeler said.
A new Raptor Technologies visitor management system will be installed in Berea-Midpark High School, Berea-Midpark Middle School, Brook Park Elementary School, Grindstone Elementary School, Big Creek Elementary School, Snow School and the fifth-grade wing’s separate entrance at the middle school.
It will provide “full line of sight” monitoring for incoming visitors, according to Raptor information.
The new system includes software, ID scanners, visitor badge printers, a supply of visitor badges and training for each building. Reports can be generated from the system as well.
In addition, Brook Park Elementary School will be fitted with protective shatter film on its doors and sidelights, and 27 new security cameras (20 interior, seven exterior) will be installed.
Grindstone Elementary School will receive 10 new security cameras (five interior, five exterior).