Daily news highlights show that schools are becoming more high-tech in how they protect students and teachers. Security is no longer just about cameras and locks. Now, technology plays a big part, and IT professionals are taking on new roles in physical security as well. In many K–12 schools across the United States, IT leaders are helping to manage door badge systems, emergency alert tools, and security cameras.
This shift is happening because schools want robust security systems that use modern technology. The lines between cybersecurity and physical security are beginning to blur. Many chief technology officers (CTOs) and IT directors now have additional duties, helping their schools stay safe both online and in real life.
Here are some key takeaways from this significant shift in school security:
1.IT Leaders Now Look at the Whole Security Picture
Jason Koenig is the chief information officer (CIO) at the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado. His school district spans a large area with 86 school campuses, more than 50,000 students, and nearly 10,000 staff members.
He says there’s a big advantage to combining cyber and physical security. His teams are cross-trained, meaning the cyber security team learns how physical security works — and vice versa. That makes the school district stronger and faster at responding to threats.
At the Peninsula School District in Washington state, CIO Chris Hagel says the same thing. Since he started managing physical security two years ago, he says he’s now seeing “the big picture.” He also gets helpful advice from school security officers, many of whom used to be police officers. Their real-world experience helps him choose the right security tools.
2.Cyber and Physical Security Use Similar Tactics
Both types of security seek to mitigate threats to give staff time to respond. In cybersecurity, this might mean using strong firewalls or requiring two-step sign-in. In physical security, this might mean door locks, laminated windows, or electronic visitor check-in systems.
Koenig explains that both types of security create barriers to delay threats. Whether they’re hackers or intruders, the goal is to slow them down until help arrives.
3.People Are the Most Important Part of School Security
Despite the best technology, schools still need smart, smart people to stay safe. Staff must know how to use these tools properly.
In Hagel’s school district, short monthly surveys help educate staff about online safety. He says teachers and staff are now reporting suspicious messages instead of clicking on them.
Koenig agrees. For example, in his district, new staff members are given immediate access to the school’s emergency notification system. This ensures they can respond quickly during an emergency.
He also talks about tools like Valcom, which helps manage bell schedules and emergency alerts. Only the right people are allowed to use the system, which keeps it safe and reliable.
Tech and Teamwork Keep Schools Safer
Breaking news shows that as schools become more digital, so do they protect students and teachers. IT leaders are now key players in keeping schools safe—not just from online threats but also from real-world dangers.
By using smart tools, sharing knowledge, and working as a team, schools are better prepared for any threat. As these changes continue, school districts across the U.S. are likely to follow this new safety model.
Stay tuned for more daily news highlights on how technology and teamwork are helping to make schools safer for everyone.
