Campus Security

Campus Security Updates:

  • Entered into Temporary Contract with GPI Defense to have 2 security officers on campus (estimated costs: $20,000 for the remainder of current school year, $13,000 for summer camp)

  • Completed Risk Assessment with private company and currently awaiting results

  • Submitted request to get assessment through APD

  • Began research of possible security improvements from parent input, currently collecting quotes

March 30, 2023

Dear RBCS Parents:

As you are all aware, recent events have brought attention once again to the issue of school safety. We want to assure you that the church and the school are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of our students.

For over 10 years, it has been in our procedures to conduct lockdown drills.  We are also constantly reassessing security on our campus and adjusting our policies and procedures.  I want to recognize Keri Forte, Assistant Director.  When she joined Administration in August, she immediately started addressing some of the needs we had.  We made improvements to how quickly and securely staff can lock down classrooms as well as providing continuous training for our staff throughout this school year.  We’ve continued lockdown drills but have also added evacuation drills, which are part of the Standard Response Protocol.  We’ve worked with church staff to coordinate a joint response to an emergency.  We have ordered and are still awaiting delivery to replace 4 of the exterior doors on the Nursery & Preschool building.

We recognize the need to be vigilant and are committed to exploring all possible avenues to enhance our security measures. Earlier this week a private security company conducted a risk assessment for us.  That assessment came back with some recommendations similar to the ideas of parents, such as the security window film and more secure doors.  They pointed out one concerning space near our preschool building that they felt was a spot of concealment, which could be a potential hiding spot for an intruder but would also be a good spot for a class that is evacuating and hiding.  We have also contacted APD to provide us with an additional risk assessment of our campus and are awaiting their response.

We have contacted multiple companies to provide quotes for security window film, and we have a demo scheduled for Raptor Security Management, considered the gold standard for school safety.  We hope that this will cover many of our needs to further secure our buildings, monitor visitors to the preschool and provide emergency alerts when needed.  We are also increasing camera coverage around campus.

In addition to risk assessments, we are consulting with other local preschools and educational institutions to identify best practices and any additional measures we can take to ensure the safety of our students.  Surprisingly, we have found very few area preschools have opted for security officers.  As we consider costs, we think it is important to get feedback from fellow Directors on what security improvements have worked for them and which may not fulfill the needs of a preschool like ours so we can focus our efforts accordingly.

A few parents voiced their opinion that we should not be remodeling the playground without first addressing these security concerns.  Although I recognize that security should take priority, unfortunately, the playground equipment has already been paid for and is scheduled to be delivered in June.  We are unable to put the project on hold at this time.

This week we have entered into a temporary contract with GPI Defense to provide security on campus during school and extended care hours until we can implement other security improvements.  Even though the officers are not physically armed, they can easily access their firearm should there be an emergency on campus.  We trust their presence provides a deterrent and a higher level of security than not having security personnel.  We are still in negotiations with church officials about a more permanent and collaborative solution.

More information will be provided once we better understand the costs to make needed security improvements.  To make donations directly toward security improvements and personnel, please refer to the links above.  There will also be opportunities at the Kentucky Derby Party to make a donation that will specifically be allocated to security.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Keri or Nick Steinloski, Family Executive Pastor (nsteinloski@riverbend.com). We appreciate your partnership in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Warmly,
Alicia Donoghue, RBCS Director