New Safety Modifications To Be Made At All Elementary Schools 

The school district is planning to modify schools’ main entrances and install automated check-in and keyless entry systems this spring and summer. These changes, which should be complete when school opens next fall, will provide greater security in all 24 Anoka-Hennepin elementary schools.

The goal is to secure the schools while still maintaining a welcoming and nurturing facility, according to Chuck Holden, chief operations officer for the district.

District staff are now reviewing a number of automated check-in systems that record the name of the visitor and print an identity badge.  They plan to choose and purchase a system soon so installation can be completed before opening day.

School entrances will be modified to prevent visitors from walking into classroom areas without going through the new automated check-in systems. Modifications will vary from school to school based on the school’s design. 

The new keyless entry systems to be installed use electronic key fobs that signal a fob reader to unlock the door and record time of entry and identity of the person to whom the key fob is assigned. In addition to staff, these will be provided to parents whose children are in the Adventures Plus Program so doors do not need to be left open for parents dropping off or picking up their children. The system can be programmed to allow access only during specific hours for student drop off and pick up on days the program operates. The fobs can be attached to a key ring.

Throughout the remainder of this year and next, Holden and Steve Anderson, director of buildings and grounds, will complete detailed security reviews of each school in the district, starting first with elementary schools.

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