KENOSHA, Wis. (Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024) – In response to a school threat on Thursday, Nov. 7, the Kenosha Unified School District has initiated an extensive review of its safety procedures to identify areas for improvement and enhance school security. This effort reaffirms KUSD’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all students, staff and families.
As part of the districtwide security enhancements, all front office staff will receive refresher training on visitor protocols, including essential safety screening practices and using the Raptor visitor management system. Updated doorbell camera monitors offering improved visibility and an added monitor with additional outdoor camera views will also be installed in offices across district buildings.
To further enhance safety, KUSD will employ part-time school entrance monitors at the seven schools currently without controlled entrances. These individuals will be stationed at main entrances to escort visitors screened by office staff to their destinations. Individuals interested in applying for this position should visit:
These changes complement safety concerns raised by district staff that have already been addressed. KUSD proposes further safety improvements, including installing controlled entrances at remaining schools, updating cameras, replacing exterior doors, installing shatter-resistant window film, and adding more card readers which total more than $13 million. The administration will present these items to the Board of Education for consideration and possible inclusion in the Feb. 18, 2025, referendum that is under development.
“This recent incident highlights the need to address safety within our schools. We are making it a priority to address all areas we can at this time because ensuring a safe environment for our students and staff is not only essential–it is our top priority,” said KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss. “If these proposed safety and security enhancements are included in the upcoming referendum, we will look to our community for support at the polls in February to make these vital changes a reality.”
The administration shared details regarding the need for these security updates and other referendum-related information during the Committee of the Whole Operational Referendum Presentation on Nov. 12. Additional information about the referendum process is available at kusd.edu/referendum. The Board of Education will discuss and take possible action on ballot language for the February referendum at its Nov. 19 regular meeting.