Updating security measures at lake station community schools lake station community schools would use the grant funds to purchase and install security cameras throughout all the district buildings,…

Updating security measures at lake station community schools lake station community schools would use the grant funds to purchase and install security cameras throughout all the district buildings, upgrade existing and install telephones in the buildings including in each classroom, and finally the funds would be used to upgrade the PA systems throughout each school building. One goal and objective lake station community schools plans to achieve through the funding of this grant is to increase communication within the school building, as well as among parents and all stakeholders. Having upgrade and newly installed telephones provides staff the opportunity to call the main office or school nurse for assistance, call 911 in case of emergencies, report possible abuse to DCS as school personnel are mandated reporters, and also as a communication tool to talk to parents about their childs progress or concerns. Another goal and objective lake station community schools plans to achieve through the funding of this grant is to provide a communication tool that will allow the entire school building to be made aware of information immediately regarding a crisis situation, instructions of drills, and announcements which may include cancellations due to inclement weather. Finally, a goal and objective lake station community schools plans to achieve is to provide surveillance cameras in each building on the interior and exterior. The experiences involving the use of surveillance cameras in the lake station community schools district have always been positive and has been welcomed by the school community. Examples of the use of cameras currently installed in the secondary school building include identifying visitors before entry to the building, looking for students who were missing from their assigned area to ensure they were not in need of assistance (i.e. sick in the bathroom), identifying the direction a student was heading home, and with who, when a student didnt arrive at home as planned, and identifying victims of altercations in hallways. The purpose of the surveillance cameras has not been for punitive action, but more for a reminder to students, staff and school community that we have video should the need arise to observe situations for details to assist in maintaining a safe learning environment for students, staff and school community. The experiences lake station community schools has encountered when discussing camera surveillance at the secondary level have remained positive; parents and community members are supportive that there is the capability to observe the activities occurring on the interior and exterior of the school building. Another common experience that occurs at the secondary level is students feel comfortable reporting issues to administration as students know the situation can be seen by the camera and therefore, the child can remain anonymous on relaying what to look for on the camera. Key partners and stakeholders who will play a role in the implementation of this award would be the district maintenance department, IT department, district administrators, risk/threat assessment team parents, teachers, building level administration, custodians, transportation personnel, food service personnel, and law enforcement.