Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Madison SD Installs Electronic Door Locks, Internet-Based Phones to Enhance Safety

  • By Yvonne Marquez
  • 09/03/19

Madison Metropolitan School District installed electronic locks and internet-based phones with increased functionality as part of an upgraded district-wide security plan.

The $6.5 million security plan was partially funded by a grant program the Wisconsin state government established last year in a response to a mass shooting at a Florida High school. Madison was awarded $1 million in the first round of funding and $1.5 million in the second round. The rest of the plan was covered by local funds.

More than 4,600 locks have been swapped out across the district. The electronic locks — which are controlled by staff ID badges — automatically locks people from coming in a room once the door is closed, unless they have a badge.

About 4,100 new phones have been put in all schools but the software that increases the phone’s capabilities will be installed throughout the fall semester. Once added, the phones will be able to page an individual classroom through the PA system and send out emergency notifications to families.

“This new phone system gives us a ton of flexibility and functionality because it is run over the internet,” director of building services, Chad Wiese told a local newspaper.

In addition, the school district is adding more than 400 cameras and window-hardening film to main entrances of schools, designed to slow down active shooters.

In order to receive the grant funding from the state, teachers needed to complete associated safety training. The district also trained staff and teachers on new standardized emergency response procedures.

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • University of Idaho Debuts New Campus Housing Community

    The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Vandal Village, a new campus housing community for graduate students and families, according to a news release.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • CSU Starts Construction on New Engineering Building

    Colorado State University in Denver, Colo., recently began clearing space for the construction of the new Don and Susie Law Engineering Future Technologies Building, according to a news release.