Work on New Security Entrance for Deerfield H.S. Underway

When Deerfield High School students return to class in August, their school will have a new security entrance.

The project is part of a master plan for District 113, which includes Deerfield and Highland Park high schools, to address school needs. Enhancing security at both buildings, said officials, is a top priority.

“We continuously look at ways to enhance our security,” said District 113 Supt. George Fornero. “These new additions will help us better monitor and control who is coming in and out of our buildings."

New vestibules are being built at two entrances of each high school. Individuals will now check in at an enclosed and secured visitor’s office before being admitted into the high school. Architects called the feature a "best practice."

Construction on the entrances is scheduled to be complete by mid-August before students return to school.

School Resource Officer

The District 113 School Board is also working to employ a school resource officer, of SRO, at Deerfield High School by the start of the new school year, reported the Chicago Tribune.

Funding for the position would be shared between the school district and police department. Highland Park High School already has an armed SRO on its campus for several years, according to the Tribune.