Costs lower than expected for District 303 security upgrades

A plan to make St. Charles Unit District 303 school entrances safer is likely to be completed this summer, with the price tag coming in lower than expected.

Project bids presented to the business services committee Thursday show security upgrades at 17 facilities would cost the district just more than $750,000, compared to initial projections of $1 million. Construction would begin almost immediately after the June 11 school board meeting if board members approve awarding the contracts, said Seth Chapman, assistant superintendent for business services.

"The board is pleased that the administration has had the forethought and discussions and preparation to do this because it's something the community would like to see in their schools," Board President Kathy Hewell said. "It's a visible example of all the other things that go into our safety protocols."

The proposed safety measures would require visitors to be buzzed in at the exterior doors, check in with office staff and be buzzed in again at interior vestibule doors before entering any school, spokeswoman Carol Smith said earlier this year. The upgrades necessary to meet those standards will look different at each facility depending on the layout.

A few schools already require visitors to enter through the office.

The business services committee gave a preliminary thumbs-up Thursday to awarding the work to Lite Construction Inc. The $734,217 contract includes about $37,000 worth of upgrades to the Mid-Valley Special Education Cooperative facility, which is on district-owned property, Chapman said. Mid-Valley will be responsible for covering those costs.

Additionally, 3M bullet-resistant film is expected to be installed on glass vestibule doors and windows. Committee members pushed forward a contract with Midwest Glass Tinters, Inc. that would cost the district $53,967 and Mid-Valley $2,900.

The proposed upgrades, which are slated for 16 district schools and the administration building, were introduced to the board earlier this year. At the time, the district also formed a safety task force comprising parents, staff members and first responders in the wake of the Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida, high school.

Hewell said she believes the additional security measures are a "very good step" toward addressing growing concerns about school safety. The project will be completed by the time school starts in August.

"It's unfortunate, but this is something that we need to do," she said. "This visual demonstration of our commitment to safety will be good for parents, students and staff and their peace of mind."