In the wake of recent mass shootings, Wisconsin school districts are starting to reveal plans to improve safety.
Kenosha School District submitted its final application on Monday for a portion of Governor Walker's $100 million school safety plan. The district hopes to get nearly $900,000 worth of improvements that would go toward a variety of things.
When Bradford High School students return to class in the fall, the district plans to have security upgrades in every building.
"It needs to be improved," said senior Jacob Hembel. "I think we should add metal detectors."
Kenosha School District Facilities Director Patrick Finnemore said there are two parts to the grant application. The first is very specific by giving districts the option between door locks and shatter resistant film on school entrances. Kenosha went with the latter since the district already has door locks.
Finnemore said the second part of the application is tailored to each district's individual needs with up to $20,000 per building. Kenosha would like blue flashing like to accompany their intercom system.
"Because schools are a loud place, you don’t always hear an audio," Finnemore said.
Kenosha's list includes gunshot detectors which also hang on ceilings and the intangibles of training for crisis management and bullying.
"There’s not a single answer to help or solve this problem so we want a multifaceted approach," Finnemore said.
A multifaceted approach that doesn't include two of the main improvements Governor Walker originally hoped for when he proposed the plan. First, metal detectors at school entrances similar to what you'd find at an airport.
"We don’t have the dollars or the training to have TSA certified people managing those things," Finnemore said.
Secondly, additional school safety officers. Finnemore said that's something the district would like, but is no longer an option for the grant.
"You cannot use those for reoccurring costs, and staffing was the most prominent one," he said.
School districts across the state have until June 8 to apply for this grant. Many districts in southeastern Wisconsin said they are still in the process.
