CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Goshen Local School District is leading an initiative to enhance safety measures in schools by equipping teachers and staff with panic buttons. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve security across educational facilities.
Superintendent Brian Bailey emphasized the significance of this addition, noting that after recent upgrades to school security systems, providing staff with an immediate means to alert authorities in emergencies seemed like a natural progression. The panic buttons are embedded in cards about the size of traditional credit cards, making them easily accessible for daily use.
The devices feature two distinct buttons: a blue button designed for notifying administrators about medical or behavioral concerns, and a red button that triggers lockdown procedures. The red button alerts law enforcement, teachers, and school staff, initiating an immediate response. “When the red button is pushed, I like to say the cavalry is coming,” Bailey remarked, expressing a sense of reassurance in the system’s prompt communication capabilities.
Mark Slagle, the district’s Director of Technology, highlighted the psychological relief these panic buttons afford teachers. Knowing that help can be summoned instantly adds a layer of security in the classroom. He also explained that the system allows for precise location tracking within the school, ensuring responders know exactly where assistance is needed.
Pending legislation, Senate Bill 313, seeks to make panic buttons mandatory for all teachers in Ohio. However, financial constraints may pose challenges for some districts. While Goshen secured a $40,000 grant to implement their system, many other schools may lack similar funding. The cost of the panic button systems varies based on factors such as quantity and the chosen provider.
Bailey noted that while the badges have a three-year lifespan on a single charge, budgetary planning must consider future replacement costs. He expressed hope that ongoing grant opportunities will support districts struggling to adopt such safety measures.
As the legislative proposal moves through the Senate, it has been referred to the Finance Committee for further evaluation.
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