Hi Linda, that is one of the operational benefits to be derived with building the new high school as there will be an integrated security system that will include access control, door monitoring, surveillance, etc. As well, the layout of the new high school provide for much better monitoring of access points by staff than is possible at the existing high school buildings.

J. Wagner

Security is a major problem with our current building, which does not meet any contemporary requirement for building safety. The office should be near the entrance; students should enter through a primary entrance and the building should not be "porous"; clear sight lines should be maintained, without blind corners and hidden alcoves.

The new building addresses all these failings in the current structure.

Not a political endorsement, just a fact. The current building is way out of spec for safety. Requiring a full time person to sit at a desk by the "front" door is the current solution. I know you went to planning meetings, and heard that safety was one of the considerations for the new building.

Linda: You asked a totally reasonable question--why the need to go off because the person you got an answer from was involved in the school bond issue on the other side as you. You start with honest dialogue and then devolved into personal things--that demeans you. We need the dialogue and I know you can contribute with good ideas (which aren't defined by whether we agree or not). Neal

Now you're being silly, Jenny. The issue is not about hardening the facility like a bunker so that it can withstand some kind of terrorist attack. This is about making sure the facility has adequate controls for preventing unauthorized access as well as having the appropriate traiining in place for responding to incidents. Otherwise, we might as well build a prison.

As for your roof comment, flat roof technology today is light years ahead of the old asphalt built up roofs of the 50's/60's/70's that comprise what we have on the District's other buildings. The cost to incorporate pitched roofs on a building the scale of a high school creates such a premium in cost structurally that it makes no economic sense to do so. Flat roofs can now be built to a much higher level or reliability that it makes more economic sense both initially and long term to go that route.

Of course, this was explained at the presentations during the schematic design phase, but you must have missed those sessions.

J. Wagner

Jenny,
I have an idea. Why don't you invent a bunch of untrue scenarios, toss out a bunch of negative sound bites about them, and then send them to the Patch?
Anyone who wants accurate information about our schools will not get it from you, Jenny. You obviously underestimate the intelligence of our parent population.
And, again, please refer to our retired Superintendent as Dr. Gaynor. Your continued disrespect toward Dr. Gaynor and current administration has not earned you any votes, has it Jenny?

Would someone please let Jenny know Mr Gaynor is no longer the superintendent? I'm sure the buildings magically started leaking when Mr. Gaynor became superintendent. I understand the intensity of her feelings towards Mr. Gaynor but this post has nothing to do with security and much to do with her continued hostility towards the district.

Thank you for your "insight." Wow.

Marcia
Since asked, I'll give you my thoughts. I do not have any problem with armed security in and around the schools. I believe, although I could be wrong, that most of these incidents took place in "gun free" zones including the location where Rep. Giffords was shot. However, if a mentally ill person wants to harm people, they will find a way. If it is known that a location, a school has an armed guard, I think that could change the scenario. At least the assailant may think twice about it or could be stopped before more lives are taken. As a parent of a 5th grader, I'd be willing to help defray the cost of such security personnel in and around the schools. I'm sure other parents would pay as well. This way, the Township, schools and parents (even though we already pay taxes for our schools) all share the expenses. Returning military personnel could be an option. Although it won't be perfect, I would feel there would be an increased sense of security for our children. Sadly, this will not prevent all incidents. Violence and mental illness has been around since time began. Other things need to be reviewed such as mental illness diagnosis and support, parental roles and perhaps the biggest one being how violence is glorified in video games, TV and movies. But to answer your question, I'm total fine with the initial steps of increasing security in our schools. It's start.

Cathy Sanford-O'Connor