Safety and security updates from Greene County schools

In the wake of the tragic event that took place in Perry on January 4th, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students has become an increasingly significant priority for our school district and community. The Greene County Community School District has taken commendable steps towards fortifying security measures, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety of students and staff. We have taken advantage of the School Safety and Security grant that was put in place by Governor Reynolds last year and utilized nearly $150,000 in funds to make marked improvements in our schools.

Some of the more notable enhancements are the installation of additional security cameras across our school campuses. These cameras provide comprehensive surveillance and monitoring to deter potential threats. The increased visibility helps create a safer environment by ensuring that every corner of the campus is under watchful eyes. We have partnered together with the Sheriff’s Department and the Jefferson Police Department to ensure that they have immediate access to our camera systems in the event of an emergency.

Specifically within our middle school and elementary school, we focused our attention towards the reinforcement of door handles as a crucial step in securing our educational spaces. By investing in more durable and reliable door hardware, we were taking proactive measures to impede unauthorized access and fortify the physical security of classrooms and buildings.

The implementation of advanced guest access systems is another noteworthy initiative. These systems not only streamline the entry process for visitors but also enable the school administration to have better control over who enters the premises. This ensures that only authorized individuals have access to our school facilities, fostering a more secure environment.

In recognition of the dynamic nature of potential emergencies, the school district has continued to partner with local law enforcement and worked to update its emergency operations plans and procedures. The district participated in the state of Iowa’s initiative to do Critical Incident Mapping. This service has the floor plans of every school digitized and shared with all law enforcement agencies across the state so that they are able to quickly and expertly move throughout our buildings should we need them. In addition to the significant number of safety measures, regular drills and training sessions are conducted to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared to respond effectively in case of an emergency. This proactive approach contributes significantly to the overall safety of our educational institutions.

Collaboration with law enforcement agencies further strengthens our security framework. By working closely with local law enforcement, our school district gains valuable insights, resources, and support in crafting robust security measures. This partnership is a testament to the shared responsibility of the community and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of our schools.

As we continue to navigate through the coming weeks and months, we have found that it has been more reassuring to know that our school district is dedicated to providing a secure environment for learning. The combination of advanced technologies, strategic planning, and

community collaboration reflects a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of our students and staff.