San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is making significant strides in enhancing safety and security across its schools. During a recent meeting, officials highlighted the ongoing modernization of facilities, supported by a $10 million reallocation from bond funds approved in late October 2021. This funding is primarily aimed at improving secure door hardware, with 90% of classrooms already equipped with upgraded systems. The district plans to complete this initiative by summer 2024.

In addition to door hardware, SFUSD is also updating remote door access systems, which include door buzzers integrated with cameras for better visitor identification. This work is also expected to be finalized by summer 2024.

The district has assessed public announcement (PA) systems at all school sites and found that while every school has a PA system, approximately 30 schools require upgrades to meet new district standards. The existing bond funding will cover most of these upgrades, but an additional $2 to $5 million will be needed to fully modernize the PA systems across all campuses.

Looking ahead, the upcoming November 2024 bond measure is seen as a crucial opportunity to secure the necessary funding for completing the PA system improvements and other safety enhancements. Should the bond not pass, SFUSD officials emphasized that upgrading the PA systems remains a priority, and they will seek alternative funding sources to ensure these improvements are made.

Overall, these initiatives reflect SFUSD's commitment to providing a safe learning environment for students and staff, with a clear plan for continued investment in school security and infrastructure.