Anchor Bay Schools to Install Electronic Door Locks

Anchor Bay Schools will install electronic door locks at main entrances of every school to heighten security, according to the district.

The safety upgrades are taking place over the next several days and follow previous steps over the recent years to keep students and staff safe.

In a Wednesday letter to parents, Superintendent Leonard Woodside wrote in part: 

"You will be able to enter into the building vestibule but before entering into the main office you will be asked to do the following:

• Visitors must enter the building at the main entrance. All exterior doors will remain locked when students are in session. 
• Visitors will need to push the button at the door leading to the main office and wait for staff to identify them.
• Visitors will need to show identification and state the purpose of their visit.
• Once identification is verified, office staff will release the electronic door lock and the visitor may enter the main office.
• Visitors will need to sign in for an identification badge.
• Visitors must return to the main office to sign out, return the visitor badge, and enter their departure time in the sign in log.
• It will be important that you have identification when entering your child’s building during the school day."

Woodside added that "our goal is to provide a safe learning environment for our students that is free of disruptions. As we implement this new procedure you will be notified of any changes.

"I want to thank you for your support and patience as we continue to move forward in implementing district security."

School security has been closely examined across the country in the wake of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. Soon after the mass shootings in Connecticut, New Baltimore police provided a peaceful police present at Anchor Bay Schools.