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Winton Woods City Schools boosting security in wake of national school shooting wave

Posted at 4:00 AM, May 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-23 07:28:02-04

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Ohio -- It seems after every school shooting, school districts take note and look at how to tighten their security.

Winton Woods City Schools -- serving students in Springfield Township, Forest Park and the Village of Greenhills -- is no exception.

"We pay attention to every single one of them," said Steve Denny, Executive Director of Business Affairs for the school district.

Denny said security is a high priority -- especially as the district undergoes multiple construction projects. He said the district is exploring new security measures, like door locking mechanisms and bullet-resistant glass.

"You can sound a lock down that would actually close down parts of the building," he said. "So that if someone did happen to get inside, they would have difficulty getting somewhere else in the building."

Even though bullet-resistant glass isn't bullet-proof, it prevents glass windows from breaking and delays a security threat from entering the building or a classroom, Denny said.

Winton Woods has already implemented other security measures, as well. An identification check is required once a visitor enters the building -- prompting an instant background check.

"It actually spits back information to alert us if there are any issues or concerns with the people that are entering our building," said Winton Woods High School Principal Eric Martin.

The school already keeps all outside doors locked, and relies on students to help monitor for any threat of danger.

"We actually use students as thought partners. We really emphasize the whole idea of safe," Martin said. "If you see something, say something. So they do a great job."

In light of the shootings in Parkland, Fla., and Santa Fe, Texas, Winton Woods schools are updating their fire alarm procedures to avoid them being used against students and staff.