New video and camera surveillance systems are in place to keep students and staff safe.

Hopatcong Borough Schools has undertaken an aggressive review of current operational practices with an eye toward improving building security —and improvements are already underway and ongoing, according to a school district statement.

The district’s goal, according to Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Randina, is to ensure greater scrutiny of all visitors, staffers and students entering and exiting Hopatcong school buildings. Several changes to the district’s security system are in place or in progress: Surveillance cameras are being placed in locations not adequately monitored. An access control system is being installed that automatically opens and locks doors on a schedule. It requires the use of access swipe cards by staff members. When a locked door is opened by an unauthorized person, the system registers as an alarm event on surveillance video.

Wireless cameras are being planned to monitor the major athletic fields. All main school entrances will be modified to include real-time camera surveillance with intercoms and electronic buzzer entry systems.

Randina said security planning will continue to be modified as needed based on suggestions from trained police officers as well as school security personnel.

Source hopatcong-sparta.patch.com