Minnesota School District to Deploy New Security Features

Minnesota School District to Deploy New Security Features

The preschool entrance at TCU-Montgomery will also receive a secure entrance thanks to the bond. A buzzer system and shatterproof glass will be added to the main entrance.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • October 09, 2018

Tri-City United Public Schools in Montgomery, Minnesota, is using grants awarded by the state to improve security on campuses, including door and communications upgrades.

A total of $25 million was awarded to 90 state school districts by the Minnesota Department of Education this month. Tri-City United School District was awarded $251,600 for TCU-Le Center, with $164,000 going toward secure entrances and $87,600 for communications. The district will also receive $212,000 for TCU-Montgomery: $120,400 for secure entrances and $91,600 for communications.

The recent bond referendum has provided a single point of entry to TCU-Le Center, and the grant will be used to build on that, according to Superintendent Teri Preisler. The district will use the grant to add a buzzer system, as well as install sensors on exterior doors to alert staff when they are opened or propped open.

TCU-Le Center will also add more shatterproof glass and lights in the gym, cafeteria and exterior to signal lockdown and emergency alerts, and install a device to allow direct communication with emergency personnel and law enforcement.

The preschool entrance at TCU-Montgomery will also receive a secure entrance thanks to the bond. A buzzer system and shatterproof glass will be added to the main entrance, in addition to the same communications system as Le Center.

School districts were able to submit separate grant applications for each building in their system. Preisler said TCU applied for grants for all five of its sites.

“In general, there is a high level of need,” she said. “We, as a state, and with our residents, school district employees and educators, take student safety at a high level. When we have an opportunity to be able address these areas, people are going to give it a try.”

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

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