Enhancing school safety is possible with electronic access control, says Melany Whalin, Allegion Senior Demand Creation Manager, Education.

Safe at school

Safeguarding K-12 schools in today’s climate is a crucial responsibility for school administrators, teachers and staff.

Feeling safe at school allows students and teachers to be better equipped to learn, work and build relationships with those around them.

With increasing concerns about school security, integrating electronic access control (EAC) systems has become a prominent safety strategy.

However, planning for safety and security enhancements in schools can be a challenging undertaking when presented with the array of options and opportunities available.

A multi-layered security approach, extending from the school’s exterior to its interior, helps to provide robust protection and allows for phased implementation, making it both manageable and cost-effective.

By focusing efforts in three key areas – perimeter entrances, critical interior areas and classrooms – educational facilities can create a more secure environment for students, educators and the broader community without feeling overwhelmed by the process.

External entrances

The perimeter of a school serves as the critical first line of defense against unauthorized access.

Implementing EAC systems at perimeter entrances is highly recommended to help ensure that only authorized individuals gain entry and help deter potential intruders.

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) emphasizes the importance of securing perimeter entrances as a foundational element of school safety.

The first step is to identify and secure the most vulnerable entry points, like main entrances, side doors and service entries.

While EAC may not be necessary for every exterior door, you can prioritize entrances that pose the highest risk based on factors like location, visibility, traffic patterns and other potential vulnerabilities.

This targeted approach allows for a more efficient allocation of resources and helps reduce unnecessary expenses.

Implementation can begin with high-traffic doors and gradually expand.

The ability to control EAC systems centrally is a significant advantage, allowing for remote management and reducing the need for presence at each door.

These systems can seamlessly integrate with alarms, surveillance and emergency response protocols, enabling quick lockdowns at the press of a button.

This capability is critical during emergencies, such as active shooter situations or natural disasters, where time is of the essence.

Defining access rights is crucial for maintaining security.

Assigning specific access ensures that authorized personnel, like school resource officers, safety personnel and designated administrators, can manage the EAC system.

Detailed records of system access provide accountability and provide valuable information in security audits or investigations following an incident with clear and defined timelines of access events.

Access credentials can also be adjusted or revoked in real-time, mitigating risks associated with lost or stolen keys.

Physical keys can be lost, stolen and copied, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.

This is especially helpful with staff turnover, as it reduces the need for re-keying, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “In the United States, 84% of teachers in public schools and 82% of teachers in private schools in 2020–21 stayed on as teachers at the same school in 2021–22.”

This means that on average, 16 to 18% of staff ideally should have returned their keys to the school at the end of the school year.

However, unless electronic credentials are used and electronically revoked, there is no guarantee that all existing keys and potential copies are returned.

Finally, access logs offer a transparent record for audits and real-time alerts can notify staff of any security concerns, such as doors left open or forced entries.

You may also want to customize who can access certain doors and when, which is possible with EAC.

Scheduled locking and unlocking can streamline operations, helping ensure doors are automatically secured during and outside of set school hours or on a custom schedule.

Critical interior areas

Certain school areas containing sensitive information or equipment, including administrative offices, IT rooms, nurses’ offices or chemical storage rooms require higher levels of security.

Implementing EAC in these areas also helps ensure compliance with regulations like FERPA and HIPAA.

Securing these areas helps prevent unauthorized access, potential data breaches, theft, vandalism and other disruptions to a school’s operations.

EAC systems in these zones not only restrict access but also provide detailed analytics on usage patterns.

Detailed audit trails track access records, aiding in investigations and highlighting unusual activity.

Facilities managers can use this data to identify potential vulnerabilities or suspicious behavior.

For example, repeated access attempts by unauthorized personnel can trigger alerts, prompting an investigation.

Analytics on usage patterns can also send maintenance alerts for system malfunctions or low battery warnings.

EAC can additionally manage access to areas that may be vulnerable to student misconduct, such as locker rooms, secluded hallways and storage areas.

By controlling access, schools can work to reduce incidents of vandalism, theft and bullying, while strengthening monitoring and response.

Classrooms

Incorporating EAC in classrooms offers many of the same benefits for perimeter entrances, like instant lockdown, enhancing safety for students and teachers.

Administrators can monitor door statuses in real-time, addressing security issues promptly.

This capability is particularly important in scenarios where classrooms must be secured quickly to help protect students and staff.

While comprehensive EAC implementation in all classrooms helps provide a higher level of security, it can be costly.

Mechanical locks can also be an option.

Ensure that patented, restricted Grade 1 mechanical locks are used and meet industry-recommended practices and parameters, and are well-maintained, accompanied by staff training on their use.

Regular maintenance and inspections help to ensure that locks function correctly and provide the intended level of security.

Indicators on classroom doors can be a powerful yet often overlooked tool for security.

Visual indicators can provide valuable peace of mind in knowing quickly whether a door is locked.

In an emergency, this can save precious time and help prevent confusion or panic when trying to secure the classroom.

If students and teachers can glance at the door and see that it is locked, they may feel safer and more able to focus on learning.

In addition to security hardware, schools should focus on training staff and students on emergency procedures.

This includes regular drills and clear communication about what to do during different types of emergencies.

A well-prepared school community can respond more effectively in a crisis, helping to reduce the risk of harm.

Financial constraints pose challenges in adopting EAC.

A layered security approach that begins with the perimeter and implements EAC from the outside in can spread the costs over time while increasing security with each application.

Additionally, schools should explore available grants for security enhancements.

With careful planning and resource utilization, educational institutions can more effectively and sustainably enhance classroom security.

Strategic considerations for long-term implementation

Plan for future scalability and adapt to technological advancements, so the system can evolve with school needs.

Choosing software and hardware that works with a variety of systems and devices can make upgrading easier and gives you more control over your system in the future.

Provide comprehensive training for all users to aid in effective system operation.

Advocate for standardized policies to unify security procedures across the school.

In addition to technical considerations, fostering a culture of security awareness is essential.

This involves educating staff, students and parents about the importance of security measures and encouraging them to be vigilant.

Creating a sense of shared responsibility can enhance the overall effectiveness of security systems.

A comprehensive security strategy, combining electronic access control with other measures, works to create a safer educational environment.

Begin with priority areas, expanding gradually to work toward a secure atmosphere for the entire school community.

By taking proactive steps and investing in the right technology, schools can create a more secure environment for all students, staff and visitors.

About the author

Melany Whalin is the Demand Generation Manager for vertical markets at Allegion US.

In her previous roles, she served as the marketing lead for architectural services and end-user sales.

With 18 years of experience in the safety and security industry, Melany also holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

This article was originally published in the April edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.