Improved security measures on the way

A new layer of security will be added to the Daniel Boone Area High School when the building’s front entrance is renovated this year.

The Daniel Boone Area School Board unanimously approved at its June 18 meeting front-entrance improvements and office reconfiguration at a cost not to exceed $80,000.

Work will include demolishing the wall that is located between the two sets of entrance doors, and then installing a door there that will put visitors into the school’s office.

“They are not to rebuild the Taj Mahal, not to remodel the entire office, only to retool the entrance,” Superintendent James P. Harris told the board.

The reconfigured entrance will be similar to that at the Daniel Boone Middle School, which prevents visitors from entering into the school without approval from office staff.

Director of Buildings and Grounds Casey Blankenbiller said the renovation will require 10 new doors and new door frames, some IT, networking and phone line reconfigurations, new ceiling tiles, a small amount of furniture to fit the new, smaller office and new floor coverings.

The renovations will be paid from the district’s capital projects fund.

Harris said the Safe Schools Grant of $25,000 would help fund in the future the $30,000 cost of a school security officer.

Board member Aaron Durso was absent from the meeting.