Rapid City school district enhances school security - KOTA Territory News

Rapid City school district enhances school security

A bill that allows school districts to arm teachers and volunteers could be days away from the governors desk.

But the bill isn't rallying much support from teachers and school boards.  

The Rapid City school district is on a mission to modernize the safety procedures of some of the oldest schools in the district.

Horace Mann Elementary school in north Rapid City is the first school to undergo renovations to enhance security.

The office area will soon have a direct view of everyone coming into the building.

With a budget of $250,000, school leaders will redo the entry ways of seven schools across the district. The new entries will feature lock-down security measures and keyless entry.

Currently all schools in the district have cameras installed, and all high schools and middle schools have key less entry.

But other more fundamental safety options are also being explored.

"There's building materials concerns that have been talked about in this state as to what kinds of glass, that could not be shot out, but it's very expensive of course," said Dr. Tim Mitchell, Superintendent of Rapid City Schools.

"Responding to what's not normal is important and the liaison officers have trained us with that through the years. Be visible, move around and if something looks weird, it probably is and you need to get it reported," said Scott Phares, Principal at Horace Mann Elementary school.

The price–tag for this first safety renovation at Horace Mann school is set at $150,000. The district also plans to apply for Homeland Security grants to help with future projects.