School Safety: How is MUSD emphasizing campus safety?

MUSD says it wants to do more than decrease discipline issues and behavioral infractions. It wants to provide a safe space on its campuses.

In March, the district worked with Arizona School Risk Retention Trust to conduct a free, in-person safety and security audit.

Principals, administrators and Trust staff toured Desert Sunrise High School and Maricopa Wells Middle School.

Pastor said the feedback was constructive, and TRUST applauded the district for investing resources and taking measures to ensure safety for employees and students.

Pastor plans to use the general feedback to replicate audits on a smaller scale at other schools in the district. Some of the criticisms can be applied to every school, she explained.

Already in the works is a $400,000 project to renovate entrances and main offices at Maricopa Wells Middle School and Maricopa Elementary School. Barriers in the lobby and more security will be added.

“Visitors won’t be able to go anywhere past the initial lobby,” Coutre said. “You would have to be buzzed in.”

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