Voters Approve Safety and Security Funds for Orchard Park Schools

Voters Approve Safety and Security Funds for Orchard Park Schools

Campuses in Orchard Park will be getting upgrades to safety and security that include increased security at all six main entrances at Orchard Park Schools.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • November 20, 2018

Voters in Orchard Park, N.Y., approved a $12.2 million proposal for campus safety and security funds during a special election held on Election Day.

Campuses in Orchard Park will be getting upgrades to safety and security that include increased security at all six main entrances at Orchard Park Schools. Before entering a building, visitors will have to enter a sectioned-off room for a security screening process, after which they would be allowed on campus.

The district will use $1.5 million from its capital reserves, but seventy percent of the project will be funded by the state.

"We have some other debt coming out of our budget, debt being paid off so it will be level debt, level taxes. We just want to make sure we're improving the security as much as we can for our kids and the staff," said Jeffrey Petrus, Assistant Superintend for business, Orchard Park School District.

Some voters told a local news station that the district was spending too much on upgrades, but other voters with children in the school district said the schools needed to improve security.

"Anything in this day and age that can secure the schools and keep the student's safe, I'm all for it. It's really hard to put a cost on human life, especially our kids’ lives," said Joy Higgins, Orchard Park parent.

The project also includes replacing the roofs on the middle and elementary school buildings.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular