LCPS Board Approves Building Security Upgrades

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.

Workers from Telephone Systems of Nebraska installing

wiring for new security cameras

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.