CKSD increases security in PineCrest Elementary

Thanks to the bond voters passed in February for $220 million, the school district was able to add doors to the classrooms, a seemingly small step that is going a long way toward making people feel safer.

SILVERDALE — Central Kitsap School District has taken a major step in ensuring PineCrest Elementary is a safer school for students and staff alike.

“When (the building) was constructed, it was more of an open concept,” said David Beil, CKSD community relations director. “There were no doors for them to be able to close during lock down drills.”

Now, thanks to the bond voters passed in February for $220 million, the school district was able to add doors to the classrooms, a seemingly small step that is going a long way toward making people feel safer.

“With the unfortunate events that occur … the need for doors and to add doors where we can like this is something that, as we’ve talked to our community about what’s important to them, they’ve said that safety and security is a piece that’s important to them,” Beil said.

According to a press release issued by the district, “After their first safety drill of the year, one student told (third-grade teacher Debbie) Barga how much more secure he felt.”

“Now they have a feeling that I have a key, the door can be closed and locked,” Barga said in the release. “They feel it is a safer place for them.”

Beil said that the district has heard a lot of comments from the public about wanting increased safety and security in their schools.

As part of increasing safety in their buildings, Beil said school entrances will be redone over the next three summer breaks (2017-19). He said after the bulk of students have arrived, doors will automatically lock to outside traffic. Visitors and latecomers will have to enter the building through the front office, checking in with staff to ensure no one who isn’t supposed to be there is loose in the building.