Tighter school security part of District 214 project proposal

Four schools in Northwest Suburban High School District 214 would install security vestibules over the next few years as part of the $45 million capital project program the school board is mulling.

Officials say security systems will make the schools safer and put up an extra barrier between a possible intruder and students.

The vestibules, which cost about $50,000 each, are proposed for Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Elk Grove and Wheeling high schools, over the next three years, officials said.

The school safety project is part of a large group of recommendations from the Capital Projects Task Force for how to spend $45 million in reserve funds the district has accumulated.

Hersey and Buffalo Grove already have the added security.

“We're always looking to review safety and security,” said Superintendent David Schuler. “It's one of our most important concerns.”

The addition of security vestibules was one suggestion in a security audit the district did a few years ago, he said. With them, visitors enter through a set of doors and check in with a school security employee, Schuler said. A background check system will scan the visitor's driver's license for arrests, or other red flags that might cause the security official to deny entry.

A locked second set of doors does not open unless the security employee opens them.

“Most schools in the area are moving in that direction,” Schuler said. “It's an immediate access issue.”

In schools without security vestibules a visitor can walk in, avoid the check-in desk, and gain access to the school.

Buffalo Grove High School had a security vestibule installed last year as part of renovations that added a new natatorium to the school. A similar vestibule system was installed at John Hersey High School in 2010-2011, a spokeswoman said.

The Forest View Administration Center, which also houses the district's Newcomer Center, Vanguard School and the Academy at Forest View, also has a secure entrance.

Schools in Naperville Unit District 203 and Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 have also recently added similar vestibule systems.

The District 214 board will vote on the vestibules and other projects in the $45 million capital projects program at its Thursday, Sept. 4, school board meeting, starting at 7 p.m. in the board room at the Forest View Administration Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.