Plano ISD planning to increase school safety at elementary schools

Plano ISD is planning to build doors across the elementary school level starting in the summer to provide better security in the classroom.

This safety and security project is designed to enclose all open-concept classroom layouts with a wall and door, according to district officials. It will also include the installation of security film, which is a polyester substance applied to glass that is designed to aid if it is shattered, for security lockdown purposes.

The project also adds the option for secure doors in elementary campuses where they were not previously present, according to PISD officials. Construction, which also includes framing, sheetrock, flooring and painting, is anticipated to begin after the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year in late May or early June, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing.

Plano ISD will be enacting the construction project at 44 elementary schools throughout the district. This includes four elementary schools in Richardson: Aldridge Elementary, which is located at 720 Pleasant Valley Lane; Miller Elementary, located at 5651 Coventry Drive; Schell Elementary, 5301 E. Renner Road; and Stinson Elementary, which is at 4201 Greenfield Drive.

The cost of construction, which is expected to finish by the start of November, is estimated to be $120,000 at each elementary school, according to TDLR filings.

Providing enhanced security throughout the district has been a goal for PISD throughout the 2022-23 school year.

In August, PISD officials announced all classroom doors must be locked at all times, with more frequent safety audits, security inspections, random K-9 police dog sweeps and drills happening as a result of safety concerns. In addition, district officials said they are hoping to provide further camera enhancements and a stronger police presence on campus as a preventative measure for school safety.