EPHRATA — Ephrata High School recently completed the installation of a new video intercom system as part of an initiative to bolster safety measures for students, staff and visitors. This new security upgrade, which was finalized over spring break, adds a layer of protection for the school, allowing for more controlled access to the premises during school hours.

The new system includes automatic locking of all exterior doors at EHS, Beezley and the Performing Arts Center during instructional hours, triggered once passing periods conclude.

During these transitions, traditional supervision remains in place, allowing students to move freely between buildings. Once the bell rings, however, all external doors lock and late arrivals are required to request entry through the video intercom system. The system was paid for through the 2022 capital levy, totaling around $79,000 for the installation, hardware, cameras, motion sensors, fees and licenses for the three buildings.

Upon arriving late, students and visitors need to press a button on the intercom, which connects them directly to the office staff. After communicating with the staff member and obtaining authorization, individuals can be electronically buzzed into the building.

“Safety is always our top priority,” said Assistant Superintendent Aaron Cummings, who oversees safety and security for the district. “This new video system is an important step in keeping our schools secure, especially at EHS where the building layout doesn’t allow for a traditional secure vestibule."

Unlike other facilities within the Ephrata School District, such as Columbia Ridge Elementary, Parkway Intermediate, and Ephrata Middle School, which feature dedicated secure vestibules with safety glass, EHS lacked an appropriate space for this type of entryway. The introduction of the video intercom system serves as a critical bridge until more extensive renovations can be made in the future.

The new intercom system is designed to improve safety protocols by preventing unauthorized access during school hours.

“Before this, the main entrances were open throughout the day, so anybody could come in and out,” Cummings said. “Now it's much more secure because we can monitor who’s coming in and out.”

The new security measure has already begun to alter daily procedures at EHS. While students can still leave and return freely during passing periods, the immediate locking of doors following the bell signifies a shift in the daily access protocol.

The implementation of this system has garnered a positive response from the school community, although feedback is still in its early phases, considering the system has only been in operation for a short time.

“I think the teachers appreciate that we have added that additional security measure to the buildings,” Cummings said.

As part of an ongoing focus on safe learning environments for all students, the Ephrata School District is engaged in continuous evaluation of its security protocols. Cummings noted that the district must observe whether there are any incidents involving unauthorized entry that the new system would prevent.

“We’ll assess it by monitoring any situations where someone attempts to enter the building and has not been permitted,” he explained.

Plans for future upgrades to enhance school security are also underway. Additional construction projects, including the creation of a secure vestibule at Grant Elementary, are expected to be completed shortly.

Cummings acknowledged that while the enhanced security measures may introduce a level of inconvenience for parents familiar with the previous entry process, this discomfort is outweighed by the importance of student safety.

“It is going to be a little more inconvenient for parents that have been members of our school community for a long time,” he said. “But they also have some understanding of the need for these security upgrades.”

Students are gradually becoming accustomed to operating the intercom system.

“It took a little bit for the students to get used to talking to somebody through the intercom,” Ephrata School District Director of Communications Sarah Morford said.