Schools
Oswego Schools Installing Security Camera and Buzzer System
Due to the earlier incident in December, the decision was made to ensure that the schools were not only safe, but also that students and staff feel safe.
Oswego 308 schools will be seeing the addition of a camera and buzzer system in the next few weeks for an added security measure in all schools.
Superintendent Matthew Wendt addressed the board Monday night about the security measures, which are being implemented in part due to supposed rumors that circulated around some of the schools in December.
“Because of that situation and the overwhelming response of not only ensuring our schools are safe, but also the feeling of being safe, we looked at this device to allow for some buzzer-camera systems for the schools,” said Wendt.
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The system would involve having a buzzer on every outside door of the schools along with cameras to allow school staff to see who was at the door.
School board member Brent Lightfoot said anyone wanting to come into the building must show ID.
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“Understand we’re very aware and working hard on these issues,” he said. He wanted to emphasize though that even all these metrics could not prevent everything from happening.
Board president Bill Walsh reiterated that thought and said although the system will not stop everything, it “will provide additional minutes, seconds” for students and staff to get to safety and have a warning.
Lightfoot said there had been a suggestion for the schools to be locked down 24/7, meaning that to get into any afterschool or evening activities, like basketball games, an ID would have to be checked.
“That’s utterly ridiculous,” he said. “Let’s keep our heads in order” when we approach this.
Other changes will be taken in regards to safety, although Lightfoot said not all changes can be shared with the public since for security reasons they must be kept confidential.
The funding for the buzzer and camera system is coming from the maintenance and technology budget. The purchase of the security system will delay the purchase of tile and carpets for the schools, said Wendt, but they felt at this time those purchases could be delayed.
“We want to reiterate that safety is our top priority,” said Lightfoot.
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