New security initiatives by USD 253 Emporia Public Schools are being well received by district patrons.
This is according to Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Kelly Bolin who recently spoke with KVOE News. Last year the district implemented new secure entrances at two buildings — Walnut Elementary and Village Elementary — and Bolin says it has been a seamless transition.
The new entrances now require individuals to be buzzed into the building rather than simply being able to walk in through the front door. According to Bolin, this is known as a level two entry.
Bolin says they currently have five district buildings where they have been able to accomplish these measures. She adds there are four buildings currently labeled as level one, meaning individuals still have to be buzzed in to the building but do not have to go directly through the office.
Bolin says the district plans to use funds from their $78 million bond issue — if approved during the Nov. 5 general election — to bring those buildings up to level two.
Bolin says the increased safety has been a “good return” on the district’s investment. Bolin admits the new procedure does create a bit of inconvenience, but, she says “safety is inconvenient” for the right reasons.
The new security measures are funded by a safe and secure grant from the Kansas Department of Education. This is a matching grant, meaning the KDE provides a percentage of the funds while the district provides the additional funding.
According to Bolin last year the grant provided the district with $85,000 and this year the grant has provided $63,000. Bolin says the district has already received positive feedback from parents and district patrons on the increased security measures.
If you would like more information Bolin says to contact the principal of your student’s school. You can also find more information on the district’s website at USD253.org or by contacting Bolin Directly at 620-341-2330.
