Safety continues to be a top priority for Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181.
“For the last seven years, we have remained proactive in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” said Jeffrey Alstadt, the District’s director of communications. “In the past, the District has focused on facilities, standard operating procedures, and additional physical security measures, like secure entrances.”
And District 181 plans to continue to ensure a safe and welcoming environment in which students thrive, Alstadt said.
He said that recently, there has been an emphasis placed on improved communication protocols and collaboration with local law enforcement.
“We continuously review our safety plans and work closely with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other community partners,” Alstadt said. “We are truly grateful for the collaborative efforts of Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, and neighboring communities.”
Looking ahead, Alstadt said, the district is committed to ongoing review and enhancement of its safety plans.
“We know that the only way to ensure this sort of environment is to have a comprehensive approach,” he said. “This involves physical security measures, emergency preparedness, quality professional development, community partnerships, and strong communication channels.” This includes sharing safety tips via messages from Superintendent Hector Garcia.
“Ultimately, we aim to create a school district where students and staff feel safe, secure, welcomed, and empowered to learn and grow,” Alstadt said. “By prioritizing safety, we’re building a stronger and more resilient community for everyone.”
During the 2023-24 school year, District 181 enhanced its safety measures by implementing a three-point entry system and bolstering security at entrances.
“(And) upgraded cameras throughout the buildings provide increased situational awareness,” Alstadt said.
Additionally, staff has received training on the Verkada Guest Upgrade system, streamlining visitor management, he said.
To better secure the district’s facilities, it invested in physical security measures, such as safety vestibules, secure office areas, and a visitor ID management system, exterior card readers, safety window film to add additional barriers.
There also has been planning and coordination with the District’s long-standing Safety and Crisis Committee and Safety and Crisis Plan, involving staff, police departments, and fire departments.
“Standard operating procedures outline staff actions in emergencies, supplemented by readily accessible flip charts in every classroom,” Alstadt said. “We exceed state drill requirements and have a districtwide threat assessment team.”
For the recently-started 2024-25 school year, District 181 is taking the following measures to again enhance its safety efforts:
- Standard Operating Procedures will be further refined, with CrisisGo integrated for drills and real-time emergencies.
- Staff will participate in a reunification drill, and the Safety and Crisis Team will undergo training next summer to enhance crisis response skills.
- An increase of the Safety Officer presence to three individuals, with schedules strategically designed to maximize coverage.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
