DESCRIPTION:

‍ ‍School safety has changed dramatically and today, it is about far more than locking the front door. Modern K-12 facilities are evolving to incorporate layered security systems that control access, monitor activity, and allow schools to respond quickly in an emergency.  This panel brings together district, design, and construction perspectives to explore how secure pathways are reshaping school design and operations. Across Wisconsin, districts are investing in secure entryways, camera systems, and access control technology to better manage who enters buildings and how individuals move within them. These systems are often paired with design strategies that allow schools to isolate portions of a building, secure classroom wings, and respond in real time during a threat.  

The discussion will highlight a recent secure pathway project completed in the School District of Janesville, where a district-wide referendum funded upgrades to create controlled entry sequences, enhanced monitoring, and multiple layers of visitor verification across 18 buildings. This project illustrates how safety is no longer a single feature, but a coordinated system of design, technology, and operational practices.  

Panelists will share practical, peer-driven insights into how districts can approach safety planning holistically -balancing security with a welcoming environment. Attendees will gain strategies for evaluating current conditions, integrating technology such as cameras and access controls, and designing spaces that support both daily operations and emergency response.  Participants will leave with actionable takeaways, including: 

• How to plan and implement secure entry and pathway strategies 

• Ways to integrate technology with building design for cohesive safety systems 

• Approaches to improving visibility, monitoring, and controlled movement within schools 

Designed for school business officials, facilities leaders, and administrators, this session delivers relevant, real-world guidance on creating safer, smarter schools.