Extra security to keep schools safe
Pilot project to begin in Iqaluit and Iglulik
Myles Dolphin
Northern News Services
Published Monday, April 21 2014
IQALUIT
The Government of Nunavut is adding an extra layer of security at schools in Iqaluit and Iglulik in the wake of a growing number of violent incidents at North American educational institutions.
The new system, which will consist of a heated foyer monitored by a video camera where visitors can press a buzzer and state their intentions, may be operational as soon as September, provided the tender put out by the Department of Education gets a timely response.
The system will be implemented at all Iqaluit and Apex schools as well as the Ataguttaaluk Elementary school in Iglulik, which is still in the design stage.
Barry Cornthwaite, manager of capital planning with the department, said the initial request came from the Iqaluit District Education Authority in January 2013, one month after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting occurred.
"The IDEA approached the Department of Education over concerns with school safety and unwelcome guests," he said. "The outcome of that is we consulted with Community and Government Services and we hired a consultant, who came up and reviewed the schools. We spoke about what's being done elsewhere and ultimately the recommendation was to build a foyer-type entrance in the schools."
Cornthwaite said the schools already have a "lock down, lock out" procedure in place but needed something for outside visitors.
"We do have signs for people to check in at the office but not everyone does that," he added.
The intercom at the entrance, equipped with a camera, will allow the school's receptionist to vet visitors and grant them access to the building with the push of a button.
If the system proves to be successful - and liked - it may be rolled out to schools outside of the capital, Cornthwaite said.
Iqaluit was chosen to pilot the project because "it has a good cross-section of the types of schools in Nunavut."
The estimated price tag stands at $20,000 per school.
Andrew Tagak Sr., the chairperson of the Iqaluit District Education Authority, said the security of a school's staff and students has been a priority area for the group.
"We have been working collaboratively with the schools, the Department of Education, and parents on this initiative," he stated in an e-mail to Nunavut News/North.
"We are pleased to see this initiative is making progress and look forward to the installation of the new systems."
Cornthwaite said a lot of people have picked up the tender plans and he's hoping for a good response from the community.
