Wahoo administrators outline security upgrades, cameras and radio improvements; board to review vestibule options

District administrators delivered an extended safety and security briefing asking the board to prioritize near-term fixes and local design input on larger construction proposals.

Vernon reviewed current controls: exterior doors locked with single-point entries, visitor check-in, key‑card/phone entry, magnetized fire doors and a camera system that retains motion-triggered footage for roughly 30 days. He described two camera platforms across buildings and recommended moving to a single IP-camera platform so administrators can access footage districtwide.

Administrators identified actionable upgrades with preliminary cost estimates: radio/repeater improvements (roughly $5,000) and district camera upgrades and unification (approximate estimate cited near $40,000). They said additional items — alarm integration for propped doors, intercom/phone backup to emergency power, and a secondary buzzer system — would require further design and cost work.

Board members raised concerns about an earlier secure-vestibule design that administrators said may cost about $500,000. Several trustees suggested lower-cost alternatives (secondary buzzers, cameras at stairways, focused entry reconfiguration) and requested more local input from office staff who process visitors. OST will examine vestibule options at a June 3 meeting and administration pledged to return with refined proposals and firm quotes.

Administrators emphasized that training and consistent visitor procedures are high-impact, lower-cost measures to improve day-to-day safety while planning larger capital work.