Study: Superintendents Say Stretched Funds Stifling School Security

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, in conjunction with AASA and RETA Security, recently released the results of the 2008 National School Safety Study, which assesses the status of security in the nation’s K-12 public schools, based on a survey of school leaders nationwide.

The information within the study is especially timely as the United States starts implementing the economic stimulus package, which includes the school modernization bill.

“School leaders are dedicated to making sure students, teachers and staff are in the safest possible learning environments,” said AASA Executive Director Daniel A. Domenech. “To that National School Safety Study end, we welcome the opportunity to use the data presented in this landmark study to ensure all schools have the best security resources available.”

The 2008 National School Safety Study is based on the Risk Mitigation Assessment, a survey instrument created by Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies and RETA Security Inc.

The assessment, which can be accessed at http://www.safeschools.ingersollrand.com, identifies potential threats and determines action items to ensure the security of school systems. Overall, schools are doing a decent job, considering the budgets they have. However, in other instances, much more needs to be done.

Among the findings are:

  • While two-thirds of all responding districts lock public entrances to buildings, one-third reported that exterior doors are occasionally or often propped open.
  • Almost 60 percent of school buildings have no “panic” exit devices installed in strategic locations, a potential violation of the Fire and Life Safety Code.
  • When queried about funding, approximately 80 percent of administrators describe their situation as “stretched” or “inadequate.”

“Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies undertook this initiative in keeping with our corporate stewardship responsibility,” said Beverly Vigue, vice president of the company’s Education Solutions group. “Our Risk Mitigation Assessment is an excellent example of the ways public-private partnerships can be used for the common good. This Study shows the tremendous value in getting the most accurate pulse on trends in school security in order to remain at the forefront in developing truly effective solutions that keep learning environments safe and productive.”

“It is important for schools to place first priority on improving the areas of access control and communications,” adds Paul Timm, PSP, president of RETA Security. “Demonstrating that there are low-cost, common-sense measures each school district can implement is a significant first step in providing a safer learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.”

As a follow-up to the study, AASA, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies and RETA Security are discussing how to best leverage the results of this study to the advantage of America’s school communities. Grant tool kits are already on the http://www.safeschools.ingersollrand.com Web site.

Plans include regional training initiatives, including common sense tips schools can implement to increase the safety of students at little to no cost. For example, school districts can organize school safety committees with broad-based stakeholder representation that meet regularly to review safety policies and needs.

“We are in a unique position to respond to schools,” Vigue said. “For instance, we have education specialist representatives located in 18 Security and Safety Consultant offices across the nation who can help schools with a host of products and services, including alternative funding programs such as our grant funding program to help them pay for improvements. Our customer grant consultants are also finding that funding is available from a variety of programs for those districts needing to migrate to more sophisticated, district-wide school security and safety systems.”

The full survey results are available on the AASA Web site at http://www.aasa.org.

Featured

  • Agentic AI Will Revolutionize Cybercrime in 2025 According to New Report

    Malwarebytes, a provider in real-time cyber protection, recently released its 2025 State of Malware report, which reveals insight into the emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), plus the year’s most prominent threats and cybercrime tactics. The report details a significant uptick in the number of known ransomware attacks, the total value of ransoms paid in 2024, and how IT teams can address them. Read Now

  • ESX 2025 Announces Expanded Schedule of Events

    ESX has announced its dynamic 2025 schedule, set to provide an unparalleled experience for professionals in the electronic security and life safety industry. Taking place June 16-19 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, this year’s event features an expanded lineup of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, inspiring main stage speakers, networking opportunities, and an engaging expo floor showcasing the latest technology. Read Now

  • City of New Orleans Launches NOLA Ready Public Safety App Before Super Bowl

    The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is pleased to announce the official launch of the NOLA Ready Public Safety App, powered by Motorola Solutions. This new mobile application is designed to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness for both residents and visitors. All individuals planning to attend major events in New Orleans, including the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and other large gatherings, are encouraged to download the app. Read Now

  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Password Security

    Change Your Password Day is right around the corner. Observed every year on February 1, the day aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity and underscores the importance of keeping passwords strong and up to date. Read Now

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”