School Safety: NYC Public School Doors to be Locked, Security Equipment Installed

NYC School Safety
Getty Images

School Safety: NYC Public School Doors to be Locked, Security Equipment Installed

New security features are coming to New York City public schools in an effort to combat rising incidents of gun violence and other school safety concerns.

Last Thursday, the city’s Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), voted to award Long Island based tech company Symbrant Technologies a 1-year, $43 million contract to equip schools with door-locking mechanisms and video surveillance systems. The features will be implemented in more than 1,000 city schools which currently leave front doors unlocked during the day, guarded by unarmed NYPD security agents.

With the new school safety equipment, front doors will be locked during school hours, requiring visitors to be buzzed in. Security cameras and intercoms will allow school officials to see visitors before admitting entrance into the building.

This move comes in response to the staggering rise in school shootings and other incidents of gun violence in the United States over the last decade, leading parents to be highly concerned about school safety and their children. 

While the contract was approved by the PEP, not all of its 15 voting members were enthusiastically in favor of it, citing a lack of data on the effectiveness of the system as well as the high price tag, among other concerns. If the contract is extended beyond the first year, it could cost taxpayers an estimated $78 million, according to panelists.

“I really think we need more information,” said panelist Jessamyn Lee . “We’re talking about nearly $80 million in public funds between DOE and mayoral allocations here and I think we need to be very serious with our money.”

Psst…. Here’s How To Safely Store e-Bikes and e-Scooters : Tips for Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

Another panelist noted that some dangerous situations happen outside of the school building and worried that locked doors would prevent students outside from seeking shelter. 

Other panelists however expressed concern with delaying approval of the funds, worrying that students would be left unprotected without quick implementation of the security systems.

“In this time, where we voted no and something happened in the interim? I’m not going to be able to sleep because we as a PEP board didn’t do everything we can,” stated panelist Anthony Giordano. “The money is there now. The time is now.” 

Despite disagreement among panel members, the school safety funding was approved. It is not clear when the new equipment will debut in schools.

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children & Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer’s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>

PaleyLand Holiday Experience

<p>Celebrate the holidays at PaleyLand at the Paley Museum, New York's must-visit destination for a holiday adventure, just steps from Rockefeller Center!</p> <p>Our five-floor immersive holiday extravaganza, includes photos with Santa and holiday characters, crafts, giveaways, screenings of classic holiday favorites, hot chocolate, a magical train display, and more.</p> <p>Escape the cold and the crowds, and enjoy our indoor wonderland where families can play, relax, and create timeless memories together in our holiday oasis in the heart of midtown Manhattan.</p> <p>General Admission to PaleyLand is free for children under 12.</p> <p>The holiday extravaganza is open from November 20 – January 5 at the Paley Museum, 25 W 52 Street, NYC. Paley Members enjoy free access. Come to PaleyLand again and again to see all your favorite characters and screenings. After just one visit, membership pays for itself!</p> <p><span style="color: #888888;"> </span></p>

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.</span></p>