Dear District 140 Parents and Guardians,
Now that the school year is underway, I want to share with you the important steps we are taking to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. The safety of our school community remains our top priority, and we believe it is crucial to keep you informed about the measures we are implementing to provide a secure learning environment for everyone.
Over the summer, our District began collaborating with school security specialists to assess and enhance our current safety protocols. We wanted to incorporate a comprehensive, layered approach to school security that integrated cutting-edge technology, well-trained personnel, and support for the mental well-being of our students. Below, I’ve detailed our current security measures along with upcoming enhancements.
Key Elements of our Existing Safety and Security Plan:
Access Control and Visitor Management
Our District employs an advanced access control system for both interior and exterior doors, which allows us to initiate remote lockdowns when necessary while still providing first responders with access during emergencies. We require visitor check-in and background checks at all schools.
Security Cameras
We have an active monitoring security camera system, which covers hallways, commons, and building exteriors.
Safety Drills
We plan and practice regular safety drills throughout the year to ensure our students and staff understand what to do in an emergency. These drills are implemented in coordination with our local police and fire departments and reviewed annually.
Mental Health and Wellness Support
Recognizing the importance of mental health, we employ school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses at each building. We provide age-appropriate lessons in character education, alcohol and drug prevention education, suicide prevention, abduction avoidance, and internet safety.
Cybersecurity
In today’s digital world, safeguarding sensitive information is critical. Our IT infrastructure is designed to prevent cyber threats and protect sensitive data while providing ongoing digital safety training for both students and staff.
Communication
We are committed to providing accurate and timely information utilizing accessible platforms, ensuring that all families are informed and involved in matters of school safety.
Planned Enhancements to D140’s Safety and Security Plan:
Enhanced Camera Software
We will be upgrading our existing camera system with software designed to detect firearms. This will enable quicker responses to potential threats and enhance our surveillance capabilities across all schools.
Emergency and Medical Pull Stations
To further improve response times during emergencies, we are installing emergency pull stations connected directly to local law enforcement, bypassing the traditional dispatch system and ensuring faster responses in both security and medical emergencies.
Hiring School Security Officers
We are in the process of hiring School Security Officers who will act as on-site security personnel. These officers will be a visible presence and provide a fast-acting response to any situation that may arise.
By integrating these measures into our District’s daily operations, our goal is to create a safer and more secure environment where students can focus on learning, teachers can focus on teaching, and families can trust that safety and security are a top priority.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire school community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Callaghan
Superintendent