I recently joined a school security assessment team for a newly constructed elementary school. The design reflected modern trends emphasizing transparency, openness, creativity, and collaboration in education. Reflecting on the elementary school I attended (50 years ago!), I was struck by the...

School parking lots can be a source of school security concerns, including safety issues for those driving and walking in the lot, the occurrence of illicit activities in the lot, and the potential of the lot being used as a staging area for an active shooter. For these reasons and many more,...

By Mike Jones (Major Consulting and Design, LLC) and Keith Fentress

We recently performed a school security assessment at a high school, arriving at the school about two hours after the start of classes. Although the school was in entire session, a quick drive through the student parking lot...

By Keith Fentress and Mike Jones (Major Security Consulting and Design, LLC)

In performing a recent school security assessment, we sat down with the principal to chat, which is a routine part of our process. As we conversed about security needs, threat assessments, and related topics, we noticed a...

We have all heard the phrase “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.” I have found this phrase to be particularly true when it comes to funding projects for space and facilities. When there is a portfolio of facilities – whether the facilities span a complex, region, nation, or the globe – the...