© 2024 WEMU
Serving Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, MI
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
0000017d-4e0c-dda1-a7fd-4fde73920000

Ann Arbor Schools To Roll Out Enhanced Security Measures

Sirius Rust / photo on flickr

About 1/3 of Ann Arbor Public Schools buildings will likely have front doors with security cameras connected to buzzers by the start of school next year.

WEMU's Andrew Cluley has more.

The Ann Arbor School board considered several options on how to roll-out enhanced security at the front doors of schools presented by district administrators. While it was just an informational item so no formal vote was taken, board members appeared to agree on a plan to have the buzzer doors added at 12 schools by next fall, and then go district ride the following year.

Superintendent Jeanice Swift says the board has been balancing several competing issues, adding that the 12 schools chosen to go first all have offices that don't have direct line of site with the front door.

She remarked that rolling out the enhanced security measures will include communication and education with families as well as the front office staff. Additionally, the district will also work on signs to help visitors know where to go and how to use the cameras and buzzers.

This two phase approach will cost about $85,000 in the first year, and $105,000 the following year.

   
 

Like many, I first came to this area when I started school at the University of Michigan, then fell in love with the community and haven’t left. After graduating from U of M in the mid 1990’s I interned at WDET for several years, while also working a variety of jobs in Ann Arbor. Then in 1999 I joined the WEMU news team.