DVUSD has created a whole new sense of security with upgrades to the front offices of each high school in the district. Each school now has a barrier that any visitor must be authorized to enter by an employee.

The new security features in the front entrance keep the staff focused on the safety of the students, while the new surveillance system keeps the security team very aware of their surroundings inside and outside of the gates.

“These upgrades were made to create a safe and secure environment in a closed campus that is conducive to safety and really gives a feeling of security to the kids, students and staff,” said Bradley Garraway, head of security.

Of course, these upgrades would not be possible without the constantly advancing technology that is available today. Keeping up with modern times has pushed schools to upgrade their technology.

Mr. Mclain, assistant principal, and other members of the staff are always looking for ways to improve the school’s security through the use of technology.

“We have recently upgraded some of our camera system in the past couple of years, and we are trying to keep up to date with technology, because as it improves we can use it to our benefit,” Mclain said.

High schools and elementary schools across the country have also invested in new technology, such as high definition cameras.These cameras allow employees to see and hear what goes on in parts of the school where a teacher or staff member can’t always be around.

However, this doesn’t mean that students or staff should be withholding of any information about situations that occur just because the security cameras might catch it.

Students and staff are always encouraged to report anything they see that doesn’t look or feel right to the security team or administration.

“We don’t want those negativities or unsafe environments causing a disruption to allowing us to be the best that we can possibly be,” Mclain said.