There are two truisms of K-12 schools that exist currently; first, safety and security are core objectives, and second, school budgets are tight.
K-12 schools have traditionally been perceived as safe havens where children can learn and develop as they begin their life journeys.
Violence, vandalism, and theft
Unfortunately, K-12 schools are increasingly being subjected to violence, vandalism, and theft.
Teachers are expressing growing concerns about their safety as they intervene in physical conflicts within schools while also encountering students carrying firearms or other weapons on school premises. Even more sobering, more than 352,000 students in the U.S. have experienced gun violence at school in the past 23 years.
Schools on tight budgets
With pandemic aid coming to an end, school districts are having to do more with less
Further compounding the situation, schools and their administrators are on tight budgets. Pandemic relief funding has kept many school initiatives afloat over the past few years, but in the rush to spend on new high-tech solutions, many of the basics were left behind.
With pandemic aid coming to an end, school districts are having to do more with less.
Need for cost-effective security solutions
These two truisms offer more questions than answers for superintendents, principals, teachers, board members, and parents.
What school security solutions can we deploy that actively combat rising violence? How can we cost-effectively implement such tools? We want to improve school security and efficiency at the same time, but how?
Key Control in a K-12 environment
Key control systems are an integral piece of the larger security puzzle helping schools of all sizes manage security
At their most basic level, school key control systems are designed to securely protect keys in an electronic key cabinet.
At their most complex, key control systems are an integral piece of the larger security puzzle helping schools of all sizes manage security and operations effectively during times of both emergencies and daily operations.
- Authorised access
In a traditional school key control system, keys are securely stored within individual compartments with each key uniquely assigned and tracked. Authorised users gain access to specific keys by providing their credentials, such as a PIN or biometric authentication, which permits them to remove a key from its designated compartment.
This enables schools to effectively manage and track access to various areas throughout a building and/or campus, thus minimising the risk of unauthorised entry or loss of keys.
- Integrated software
A user-friendly interface allows administrators to manage and configure access permissions
Integrated software further enhances the functionality of the key control system. A user-friendly interface allows administrators to manage and configure access permissions, generate detailed reports, and receive notifications about key-related activities.
Additionally, the software can be integrated with other security systems, such as access control or video surveillance, creating a holistic security solution for schools.
Key Control reduces security expenses
What’s more, key control systems are a cost-effective solution that proactively reduces a school’s security spend. By reducing the possibility of lost keys and limiting access to master keys to authorised individuals, school districts can save thousands in unforeseen re-keying costs.
School asset manager solutions integrated with a key control system likewise safeguard critical assets ranging from laptops to sensitive files, reducing the opportunity for theft and improving compliance. Key access control systems for schools also improve campus security for a lower cost than that of armed security guards and contracted off-duty police.
Key Control improves school security
By utilising a centralised key control system, schools can ensure that emergency keys are securely housed
A key control system in schools offers significant security benefits, particularly when it comes to emergencies such as active shooter events.
By utilising a centralised key control system, schools can ensure that emergency keys are securely housed and readily accessible to local first responders.
- Rapid first responder key accessibility
Responding officers can swiftly retrieve the required keys, such as those for locked classrooms or secured areas, enabling them to enter and address the situation promptly.
Rapid first responder key accessibility significantly improves response times and effectiveness during critical incidents and gives parents peace of mind, knowing that their children's school is equipped with robust security measures to handle emergencies efficiently.
Emergency Key Grab (EKG) kit
Morse Watchmans has designed a new solution exclusively designed for K-12 Schools called the Emergency Key Grab (EKG) kit. The new EKG kit is designed to provide first responders with easy access to keys in the event of a lockdown or emergency.
The Morse Watchmans EKG kit contains:
- A 1-module or greater KeyWatcher Touch System.
- Colour-coded SmartKeys and KeyRing with Hubs.
- Unique KeyWatcher System First Response KeyRing Identification Label.
- Educational Materials: Implementing Key Control in K-12 Schools Tip Sheet and K-12 Schools Key Control Playbook Hardcopies.
- One-on-one Educational Training from Morse Watchmans.
- Template and Guidelines for Writing a K-12 School District Key Control Policy.
The EKG can save a life!
Enhances general security protocols
These systems enable schools to centralise key management, ensuring that keys are always properly secured
In addition to facilitating emergency response, a key control system in K-12 schools enhances general security protocols. These systems enable schools to centralise key management, ensuring that keys are always properly secured and accounted for, and only accessible by authorised personnel.
This comprehensive key management solution can significantly reduce the likelihood of security breaches, vandalism, and theft at K-12 schools.
Real-time visibility and monitoring
Furthermore, the system provides administrators with real-time visibility and monitoring capabilities, allowing them to track who has accessed keys, when, and for what purpose.
This helps schools better comply with regulatory requirements such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) which requires schools to closely control access to private medical and academic files. Enforcing employee accountability effectively strengthens security measures and fosters a safer environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Key Control improves school operations
By providing a streamlined process for accessing keys, maintenance teams can promptly respond
Beyond enhancing security, a key control and asset management system can significantly improve the efficiency of school maintenance teams. With a centralised key control system, maintenance personnel can quickly access the keys necessary for completing their required tasks, eliminating time-consuming searches for the right key or reliance on multiple key copies.
By providing a streamlined process for accessing keys, maintenance teams can promptly respond to maintenance requests while ensuring that doors are secured and unlocked as needed, thus minimising disruptions to the school's operations.
Flexibility of localised access
Key control systems additionally provide the flexibility of localised access for contracted workers. Contractors, such as HVAC repairmen or IT technicians, can receive access to individual keys with location-specific access granted only for areas they need to work over specific periods.
The school key control software keeps a record of their key usage, allowing administrators to track a worker’s activities and ensure accountability. This granular level of key control allows school administrators to grant temporary access to contracted workers while maintaining overall security.
System benefits
Fleet management software for schools provides a clear record of who has used a specific vehicle key
Key control systems also offer significant benefits for the management of a school’s fleet of vehicles, such as buses and other vehicles. With school bus fleet management software integrated into a key control system, administrators can effectively track and control the usage of school buses district-wide. Administrators can retrieve data on the status of any bus, shuttle, or other vehicle at any time.
Fleet management software for schools provides a clear record of who has used a specific vehicle key, enabling administrators to monitor vehicle availability, maintenance schedules, and overall fleet utilisation.
Reliable and cost-effective solution
By deploying Morse Watchmans' key control and asset management systems, schools can effectively address security concerns, optimise operations, and make efficient use of resources.
Its proven implementation of key control systems in K -12 environments offers schools a reliable and cost-effective solution that promotes a safe and efficient educational environment.
