After nearly two years of planning, the
Loup City School Board approved significant building security upgrades at their
June meeting. The improvements,
scheduled to be completed by the start of school in August, include the
installation of A-phones, security cameras and wiring for a keyless entry
system.
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Workers from Telephone Systems of Nebraska installing
wiring for new security cameras
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The A-phones will be installed at the entry
doors to the Junior-senior high wing and the elementary wing of the 4-12 building
as well as the kitchen door. An A-phone is a combination camera and intercom
system, which will allow school personnel to monitor visitors and control
access to the building. Anyone wishing to enter the school, during school hours,
will be required to ring a buzzer on the A-phone and be, “buzzed in,” by school
personnel. Visitors can then sign in and
be escorted to the area they wish to visit. All other doors will be locked and
inaccessible during school yours.
Security
Cameras
will be installed inside and outside of the 4- 12 building and outside of the
Primary School. Each camera will be connected to a digital video recorder
(DVR), which will record images from each camera 24 hours per. day- seven days
per. week. Cameras may be monitored from a big-screen high definition
television in the conference room. Images from security cameras may also be
viewed online from administrator’s computers, ipads or smart phones.
The new security cameras will play an
important role in the anti-bullying efforts of the district as well as our new Positive Behavior Supports Program.
The images from security cameras will be
made available to law enforcement officials if needed.
The LCPS system will be available to the
Sherman County Sheriff’s Department, which will be able to monitor building
security cameras remotely- as well as utilize the present alarm system.
The Board also approved wiring for a keyless entry system to provide access
control for staff members and patrons who use the LCPS facilities. The security
upgrades have been contracted Telephone
Systems of Nebraska, which has installed similar systems in several area schools
such as St. Paul, Ord, and Centura, and Grand Island Northwest, among others.
By approving this state-of-the art
security system, the Loup City Board of Education is demonstrating a strong and
positive commitment to the goal of maintaining safe and orderly schools. We plan to demonstrate these new building
security features to patrons at back-to-school night in August. Get ready to
smile for the camera when you visit LCPS.
