Creating a safer environment for students and staff
What safety improvements will the bond provide for?
The bond will provide for two major improvements to the safety of students and staff:
The new classroom addition1 will also function as a storm shelter and will be built to withstand high winds.
Renovations will take place to the existing high school office2, allowing for the creation of a centralized secure entrance. A secured entrance has become a standard feature in new school construction and many districts have renovated their buildings to include this security measure.
“Safety is a big deal with schools these days, but it is expensive, and it is something the district doesn’t want to incrementally implement. The district wants to be completely prepared for an emergency incident and this bond will allow us to achieve that.” - Board Member Laura Schmidt
Is the storm shelter necessary?
Crest currently does not have a high wind rated storm shelter and relies on both the gym locker rooms and band room. Currently, this amounts to nothing more than a best effort approach to weather safety.
The photos below show the aftermath of the Joplin tornado in 2011.
What will the capacity of the storm shelter be?
The storm shelter will be capable of protecting more than 300 students, staff, and patrons.
Will the district tackle any other security projects outside the scope of the bond?
While other renovations like the secured entrance take place, the district intends to immediately tackle the following projects:
Securing classroom doors: Currently, classroom doors in the 1959 building are hollow. The aim is to replace them with strong wooden doors.
Securing classroom doorway windows: Currently, these windows could be shattered allowing entry to the room. The aim is to use 3M security film3 or to replace these windows with wired glass.
Equipping each classroom with a TeacherLock4 deadbolt or similar system: Currently, confirming a door is locked is something that can cause anxiety especially in an emergency. This would allow an easy visual indicator that the door is locked.
Expanding existing access control systems to include the AG shop complex and further increasing the number of doors covered by this system.
Increasing the number of security cameras district wide.
On top of these improvements, the district will continue its coordination with law enforcement to ensure that when an emergency happens, officers have quick and efficient means of access to the information and access they need.
