Secure Schools Project (2017 Bond)

Secure Schools Project - Construction Complete at 87 schools.
Construction is complete on all 87 schools for electronic access control systems and public address system speakers. New signage to direct school visitors to the main entrance and require check-in at the main office. Additional fencing and gates will be added to 2 schools, with construction on those projects expected to finish in early 2021.

As part of the May 2017 Health, Safety and Modernization Bond, approximately $5 million dollars was allocated to upgrade school security at 11 schools.  Working with the School Board the Office of School Modernization successfully increased the funding to upgrade security systems across the district. That work is known as the Secure Schools Project.  View the Security Projects FAQ here

Nature of the work
Student and staff safety is a primary concern for Portland Public Schools and the PPS Building Security team has developed a list of upgraded security measures that they will be using as they undertake the work.  These items are based in part on national best practice recommendations that focus on securing school perimeters and controlling access:

• Electronic access control systems, including video intercoms and electronic locks at the main entrance of every school. This system gives school staff the ability to see who is at the front of the building, and control who may enter the site.
• Public address system speakers in the hallways, gym and external areas of schools as needed.
• New signage to direct school visitors to the main entry and require check-in at the main office.
• Additional fencing and gates may also be added depending on the needs of a school site and available funding.