The McAllen Independent School District has proposed a $335 million bond that specifically sets aside $13.4 million earmarked for front entry security, access control, and camera upgrades. This bond will be put to a vote in May, when security officials need to coincide the communities desire for safer schools with local parent concerns that campuses not feel like prisons or mazes. 

At Circle Industries, we help administrators find the right technology to provide long-term protection without a significant tax hike or interference to day-to-day operations. We’ve helped schools use dedicated funds to create coordinated school security systems that create a safe, comfortable learning environment.  

SEE ALSO: Is Your School Protected From Adverse Weather?

Modernize Front Entry Security with Smart Access Control

Many parents worry added security will lead to more complicated access to schools. But enhanced access control doesn’t mean having to go through more hoops. Just making existing entrances more secure. Automated school door locks combined with door stations make it easy for office staff to let parents in while electronic keypads make access more streamlined than traditional keys.

With digitized access, it’s easy for security personnel to track who enters the building and when. If a lockdown is needed during an emergency or active track, it takes just one tap on a designated security dashboard to close all doors and activate the school alarm. 

Next Generation Surveillance and Proactive AI Analytics

As Superintendent Rene Gutierrez stated, a big priority for this bond money is to replace outdated cameras and locks with better equipment. A great first step in this regard is upgrading the school surveillance system with Avigilon-powered high-definition cameras that replace grainy footage with actionable video. 

Not only do these cameras deliver better footage, but they include machine learning that lets them identify anomalies. Reduce security staffing needs since they don’t have to monitor schools 24/7. Instead, cameras will point out loitering in restricted areas or unauthorized vehicles on campus so staff will be focused on real threats. 

We work with Avigilon and Verkada, both cloud-based solutions that make it easy to share footage with McAllen Police Department for immediate intervention and informed responses. 

Integrated Threat Detection for Faster Emergency Response

While the McAllen, TX, bond focuses on access control, we recommend integrating additional threat detection into school security systems to address local threats. One unfortunate must-have for school is gunshot detection technology that pinpoint the exact location of gunfire and automatically trigger lockdowns and alerts.

School security platforms should also integrate mass notification systems. Along with intercom and visual alert systems, these also notify security staff and parents of evolving incidents. They’ll provide updates and next steps to provide a coordinated response. 

If it passes, the upcoming bond is a historic opportunity to fortify your schools. We can do an audit of your campus and advise you on the upgrades that will have the biggest impact. Contact Circle Industries today to schedule a safety assessment at your facility today.