TUSD heightens campus security with new student IDs
The Turlock Unified School District (TUSD) in Stanislaus County, California is increasing security at school campuses, according to turlockcitynews.com.
With more than 13,5000 students, the unified school district comprises nine elementary schools, one middle school and one junior high, two large comprehensive high schools and two small alternative high schools. The new Comprehensive School Safety Plan, adopted TUSD Trustees, will raise fence heights at school campuses and require junior high and high school students to carry student ID badges.
After several months spent examining safety concerns and procedures, the new plan will lead to higher levels of security at all TUSD campuses, district staff says, starting in the fall. All TUSD staff and teachers are required to wear identification badges while on school campuses, and the new safety plan will now require all students in grades 7 through 12 to wear ID badges as well.
Other safety measures will include extending fence heights from 4 feet to 6 feet, ensuring that all school fences are locked during school hours, and installing signs on each campus directing visitors to the main office.
Although visitors are currently required to sign in to the school office upon arrival to attain a visitor’s badge, not all visitors do so. The district believes that by requiring identification of everyone on campus, any intruders who do not belong there will be easier to point out.
With a focus primarily on being watchful and aware of the campus’ surroundings, the new safety plan will also decrease vandalism and discipline problems at school sites, TUSD says.
