Looking at the new essentials for safer schools 

Pencils. Books. Security. ISJ hears from Alex Holmström, EVP Sales EMEA/APAC, acre security.

The school day used to revolve around pencils, books and lesson plans. But in today’s world, security is just as essential to the learning environment as education itself. Schools are no longer simply places of knowledge – they must also be fortresses of safety. And this mission has to be a priority. 

Recent statistics highlight the urgency of enhanced school security. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 97% of public schools restrict entry through locked or monitored doors and 98% require visitors to sign in.

Despite these statistics, inconsistencies remain with only 46% of schools having integrated emergency alert systems. Addressing these gaps requires a shift toward a more forward-thinking approach. 

As school risks evolve, so must the security strategies used to safeguard students, teachers and staff. AI-driven solutions, cloud-based access control and scalable visitor management are all playing an important role in transforming security in educational environments.

These tools are part of the focus that needs to shift from reactive to proactive.

By leveraging a mix of technologies, risk management strategies and trained personnel, schools can face a new era that prioritises proactive protection, rapid response and, most importantly, the safety of our children. 

Flipping the script 

School security has been a reactive measure for too long, with stakeholders responding to incidents only after they occur. However, waiting for a crisis before taking action is no longer a viable option, as risks are changing and evolving daily.

A proactive strategy is a better option because it focuses on early threat detection, seamless communication and swift, automated responses that prevent situations from escalating.

AI-driven systems and cloud-based security platforms are tools that enable this transformation – allowing schools to anticipate threats before they become emergencies. 

This shift is why traditional security methods are being replaced with solutions that can offer real-time threat detection and scalable infrastructure. AI-driven access control systems, for example, can help stakeholders navigate the complexities of security management by interpreting operational data in an intuitive way.

Instead of manually sifting through reports, a user can simply ask: “Show me all access denied events at the data centre for the last month,” and receive an instant, accurate response. This level of automation streamlines operations and enhances situational awareness. 

Cloud-based access control enhances security by allowing administrators to manage entry points remotely, monitor real-time data and integrate seamlessly with emergency response protocols.

With instant lockdown capabilities and mobile alerts, administrators and security personnel can take immediate action at the first sign of danger.

Additionally, open-platform solutions that provide the option to integrate with emerging technologies provide the flexibility schools need to maximise their existing investments while adopting cutting-edge measures. This supports a hybrid approach. 

Connected campus 

School environments are fast-paced and require a security approach that meets daily demands.

From managing student movement between classes and early sign-outs to ensuring safe access across different areas – cafeterias, playgrounds and administrative offices – security teams must remain vigilant and adaptable.

A strong, visible presence is essential, allowing school resource officers and staff to respond swiftly to potential concerns and maintain a secure environment. 

Emergency preparedness is a key part of this strategy.

The rise of mobile panic buttons has given staff a discreet, immediate way to call for help, ensuring that law enforcement and first responders are alerted without causing unnecessary panic.

Effective emergency response relies on clear communication and coordination, allowing those in distress to get the assistance they need as quickly as possible. 

Beyond emergency response, maintaining control over access plays a key role in school security. Schools are strengthening visitor management processes to ensure that only authorised individuals can enter.

By verifying identities and tracking entries in real-time, administrators gain greater oversight and can respond to irregularities before they escalate. This is an important step forward. 

From legacy to leading edge 

Data is at the core of decision-making and schools are no exception. Imagine having access to real-time insights that reveal peak sign-out times, detect irregular visitor registrations or even flag potential access control incidents before they occur.

This kind of data is invaluable to educational institutions looking to adopt a more proactive security strategy. 

One of the most significant advantages of modern security solutions is their ability to collect, analyse and interpret data. Schools can harness analytics to identify patterns, assess vulnerabilities and implement targeted security measures.

Instead of relying on anecdotal evidence, administrators can make informed, data-driven decisions that continuously refine and enhance security protocols. 

While AI-powered tools and cloud-based management systems offer new possibilities, legacy systems still hold considerable value in many environments. Schools that have heavily invested in their existing infrastructure can take a phased approach to modernisation by integrating new technologies rather than replacing systems outright.

This strategy enables institutions to evolve their security and data infrastructure over time while ensuring they maximise the return on prior investments. 

Since schools often operate under tight budget constraints, optimising existing security investments is essential. Conducting a thorough evaluation of current infrastructure is a critical first step in determining the most effective path forward.

In many cases, incremental upgrades can be the most practical and impactful way to drive meaningful change. 

Education and awareness are key to bridging the adoption gap. School administrators, policymakers and security professionals must collaborate to advocate for increased funding and resources for proactive security measures.

Grants and public-private partnerships can play a vital role in offsetting costs, ensuring that all schools – regardless of financial limitations – have access to advanced security solutions. 

Safe and secure 

The future of school security relies on a seamless integration of technology, strategic planning and human oversight, all working together to prevent threats rather than merely respond to them.

AI-powered security tools, cloud-based management systems and digital visitor controls are essential components in fostering a safer learning environment – one where students and staff feel secure not just during emergencies, but every day. 

Regardless of a school’s specific technology, the fundamental approach must evolve. Schools must shift from a reactive stance to a proactive security strategy, prioritising prevention over response.

By adopting a comprehensive security strategy that integrates multiple components into a cohesive system, educational institutions can reinforce their role as safe havens – enabling students to learn, grow and thrive in a secure environment free from fear.