Illinois District Adds Door Lock Systems for Security

Illinois District Adds Door Lock Systems for Security

Western Community Unit School District aims to have a lock system on every door in the school and on the additional outside doors by winter break.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 05, 2018

Western Community Unit School District has been increasing security on its campuses, focused particularly on access control.

The district added lock systems on many of the doors at the high school and elementary school about a year ago, and teachers say it’s helped them and their students feel safe.

“That’s our number one priority, that they’re learning and they’re learning safely and we want them to know, as soon as they enter school that it’s a safe environment and they can be comfortable and the door locks help us with that,” fourth grade teacher Sarah Hillijoss told WGEM.

Every classroom teacher has a key card to allow them into each classroom. Superintendent Jessica Funk said the interior lock systems have been so successful that the district is adding more secure access points.

“With the door system, we are adding a few more exterior access points,” Funk said. “We are always looking for ways to continue to make things safer and protect us through any situation that might come up.”

The district has also added an intercom system to schools.

“Every time there’s an announcement from the office, or anything we need to be alerted of immediately, they come over the intercom and it’s for the whole school and we can automatically hear it,” Hillijoss said.

Western Community Unit School District aims to have a lock system on every door in the school and on the additional outside doors by winter break. The district plans to add these upgrades to the junior high as well once they’re able to fund the locks.

The current security system cost $160,000 and the intercom system cost about $25,000. The funds came from state grant money.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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