3 Rivers School District secures $491K grant for enhanced safety access control system

The Three Rivers School District Board Meeting on July 9, 2025, highlighted a significant step towards enhancing school safety with the approval of a new access control system funded by a grant totaling $491,544.54. This initiative, spearheaded by Jessica Durant, aims to implement card reader technology across all district buildings, improving security management for community access.

"This is going to impact every building across the district," said Mr. Saunders, emphasizing the project's potential to enhance safety. The system will start with main entrances and expand to other areas like gyms, where community access is frequent. The technology is designed to streamline entry and reduce the hassle of managing physical keys.

The funding comes from the bipartisan "Stronger Connection Grant," established in response to the tragic Uvalde shooting, which allocated money to states for school safety improvements. Out of 197 school districts in Oregon, 60 received similar grants, with Three Rivers being one of the notable recipients.

Board members raised questions about ongoing costs, with Mr. Saunders confirming a subscription fee of approximately $3,000 per year for mobile access credentials. The board's approval of this project marks a proactive approach to school safety, with plans for staff training to ensure effective implementation.

In addition to safety measures, the meeting also discussed the establishment of a new charter school, the Applegate Virtual Academy, aimed at capturing homeschooled students within the district. This initiative seeks to provide a local virtual education option, potentially increasing district enrollment and funding. The academy will cater to K-5 students, offering a flexible curriculum through the Open Ed platform.

As the board moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on enhancing safety and educational opportunities for all students in the Three Rivers School District.