New buzz-in systems highlight safety focus at A-P

Both Aplington-Parkersburg Superintendent Jon Thompson and technology director Kelly Eilderts acknowledge that the new buzz-in systems at the main entrances to the elementary school in Parkersburg and the middle school in Aplington may take some getting used to for both students and parents.

But as far as major changes go, most everyone they’ve talked to believes the improved safety measures are long overdue.

“I don’t think there were people clamoring at the doors asking us for it, but whenever it would come up in conversations, people were like ‘Yeah, that’s probably a good idea,’” Thompson said. “In small town Iowa, you always think you’re the safest place in the world, but that’s not always the case. And we have history to prove that. It’s the right thing to do.”

School safety, for better or worse, is one of those concerns that just isn’t going away, and horrific incidents of violence around the country have prompted districts both large and small to enact sweeping new measures aimed at enhancing security. In all, the new systems, which restrict access during the day and require visitors to receive clearance from a secretary before entering, cost about $30,000, but the high school will continue with an unlocked main entrance that directs visitors to the secretary’s office for now.

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