The following is a transcript of the video above titled “Board Member Wilk Addresses Safety Measures in PWCS -2019” published by PWCS on Youtube.
Speaker 1:
Prince William County Schools is committed to ensuring that students are learning in a safe and nurturing environment. A number of security features and procedures have been implemented and are constantly reviewed and updated as needed. In addition to the many security features in place last school year, the Prince William County School Board allocated an extra one million to accelerate existing safety initiatives.
Justin Wilk:
As a former teacher, school board member, member of the Safe School Advisory Council and a parent of two students in Prince William County schools, safety is a main priority for me. This is why I’m pleased to announce that by the end of this school year, a secured entrance and buzzer system will be in place at each of our schools. This will ensure a safe and secure main entry point at each and every one of our school buildings.
Front Office Staff:
Good morning, sir. How may we help you today?
Guest Coming to the School:
Good morning, sir. I have a meeting at 8:30 with your principal.
Front Office Staff:
Okay. Can I get your name please, sir?
Guest Coming to the School:
My name is Jacob Edwards.
Front Office Staff:
Thank you, Mr. Edwards. Do you have ID that I can see to let you in the building, please?
Guest Coming to the School:
Sure, I can do that.
Front Office Staff:
Thank you. Come on into the star door please.
Speaker 1:
In addition to the secured buzzer entry system, plans are in place to ensure all schools will have the ability to manage access using a keyless proximity entrance for staff to use their ID cards for entry. We are also in the process of renovating front entrances so that schools have secure vestibule entryways, leading incoming visitors to an area where a staff member will check their ID before being allowed into the school.
At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, the school division hired six armed community safety officers for our elementary schools. This supplements the school resource officer program in which at least one officer is placed at each middle school and high school. Also, most schools have live in security residents who make nightly patrols around their school. Proactive planning is also very important to ensuring school safety. To that end, all school staff members receive crisis situation training through mandatory videos and yearly drills. These are just some of our safety procedures to provide a safe learning environment at all our schools. Because of our commitment to student safety, we will continue to monitor our efforts and make adjustments and additions as needed.