NEW YORK (1010 WINS — The New York City Panel for Educational Policy on Wednesday approved a contract to lock entrances to schools and implement a new intercom system.
The program was characterized as an attempt to prevent school shootings. A minority of panel members felt the proposal was rushed through without time to thoroughly examine the expense and efficacy of such a change.
“I want to make sure the solutions we’re providing actually solve for the issues we’re having,” Tom Sheppard, a parent-elected member from the Bronx, told Chalkbeat. “If the issues are happening around our schools, I have questions about whether this system of locking our doors will actually do anything to address that issue.”
All of the members who voted to delay the proposal to gather more information were appointed by borough presidents or parent leaders. All of the votes in favor of greenlighting the contract were appointed by Mayor Eric Adams.
Sybrant Technologies, Inc. will install the new buzzer, video intercom and lock system.
The proposal was first broached by the mayor’s preliminary budget, which was released last month.
Schools will be expected to keep main entrances unlocked during arrival, dismissal, emergency situations or drills, a Department of Education spokesperson told Chalkbeat.
The DOE did not respond to 1010 WINS’ request for comment.
Details about the plan are limited, and the proposal did not make clear the timeline for the project, though the contract is for one year.
Recent violence around New York City schools has taken place outside of school buildings. Locked doors and video intercoms would not stop that kind of attack.
The last time someone was killed on school grounds was in 2017 when a student stabbed two classmates.
It was the first time in decades someone was killed inside a school building in New York City, officials said at the time.
Related
Related
Related
