Designing and building schools in today's world of 2018 is very different from designing and building schools in 1949/50, when Chauncey Davis Elementary was built. Beyond the modern design enhancements related to classroom learning spaces and the addition of standard structural\environmental systems, additional considerations related to student and staff safety are now the norm.
So, to answer the question above...yes, we are planning to incorporate increased safety features into the new school design. Though the details of such features are determined during the design phase of the project, we have had initial discussions on types of "preemptive facility measures" we could include when building the new school.
Access control designs that are intended to slow down or contain possible threats are one aspect of building design to be considered. Though this list is not comprehensive, some possible features related to access control include: a fortified, single point of entry, enhanced door locks, and security doors, etc. Other areas of building design include enhanced internal communication and surveillance systems. Though no building security feature is 100% effective, we will do our very best to build a school that will facilitate the safety of our students and staff. As we begin and continue the design phase of the new school, we will involve community members, staff, and local agencies to ensure a broad spectrum of input is taken.
It is also important to remember there are other areas impacting student and staff safety. Though everything above is related to securing students and staff from intruder threats, other aspects of building safety will also be addressed. The fact that the new school will be built to current earthquake/seismic code is a big deal. Most schools as old as Chauncey Davis are not built to withstand a major earthquake. The new school will be built to current seismic standards, and will provide much more protection to our students and staff in the event of an earthquake.
The new school will also serve the community in the event of an emergency when shelter is needed. Having a new building with modern public use features, updated kitchen and cafeteria space, and increased parking and access should allow us to better serve our community when needed.
Finally, though building a new school undoubtedly gives us the opportunity to better address a multitude of life-safety and security concerns, there are other "non-building" ways we can improve student and staff safety. We are in the midst of reviewing our emergency protocols, staff/student emergency trainings, building security, and incident response. These reviews are occurring for all of our school buildings. As these reviews continue, we will update the community appropriately.
In conclusion, student and staff safety is the district's primary concern. Though it is unfortunate we have to confront many of these modern day safety issues, we will nonetheless confront them to the very best of our ability.
We are fortunate to have a supportive community and a dedicated, caring staff. South Bend truly is, "A great place for kids." If folks have questions, ideas, or comments they would like to discuss, please contact your building principal or myself. We are happy to listen to you.
Questions about this article or other South Bend School District programs can be directed to Superintendent Jon Tienhaara at jtienhaa@southbendschools.org. You may also contact any of our school offices by calling 875-6041.
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