7 Urgent Lessons from the Frontlines of School Security
Across the country, school safety conversations are changing. Whether it's at conferences, on calls with district officials, or in behind-the-scenes planning meetings, there’s a growing recognition that what worked ten years ago is no longer enough.
At DoorBlockade, we've spent the past few months speaking with school resource officers, locksmiths, and administrators. We’ve pulled together some of the key trends and practical lessons coming out of these conversations. If you're responsible for protecting students, this is the kind of insight that’s worth knowing.
1. Many Classrooms Still Can't Lock Quickly
One of the biggest issues schools face is surprisingly basic. A large number of K-12 classrooms still can't be locked from the inside. In some older buildings, teachers even have to leave the classroom and step into the hallway to secure the door.
Even in new schools, it’s common to see reliance on traditional mechanical key systems, which are hard to use under pressure. That’s a serious risk in any emergency.
The general rule of thumb shared by safety pros: if your school can’t be fully locked down in under a minute, something needs to change.
2. Budget Constraints Are Delaying Modern Security
There’s been a lot of talk about advanced access control systems, but for many schools, the cost just isn’t realistic. Wiring an entire building is complicated and expensive, similar to installing new plumbing or electrical systems.
In K-12 environments, most upgrades come down to what fits within a tight budget cycle. While colleges are investing in mobile access tech to improve student experience, K-12 schools tend to focus on fast lockdown capabilities. Some districts are testing mobile tools, but others are holding back due to concerns about privacy, cost, and the use of staff members’ personal devices.
3. Physical Locks Still Play a Critical Role
Even with new tech entering the space, traditional locks remain essential. In fact, they're often the most immediate and familiar tool during a crisis. But they have to be installed properly to work as intended.
A poorly installed deadlock can be bypassed with something as simple as a credit card. Being just slightly off in the alignment of the lock can throw off the entire system. One facilities expert mentioned that an error of just 1/16 of an inch can be enough to compromise security.
That kind of precision is often overlooked, but it matters.
4. The Best Security Plans Are Layered and Holistic
Rather than jumping on the latest product or trend, many schools are shifting toward broader strategies. Experts recommend thinking in terms of systems, not individual tools. This means combining hardware, communication, protocols, and training.
It also means recognizing that school safety goes beyond active shooter scenarios. Medical incidents, mental health crises, and fights are all part of the picture.
Some districts are even building full emergency operations centers and including mental health staff as part of the response team. That kind of planning takes time, but it's the direction many schools are heading.
5. New Tools Are Entering the Classroom
Several schools are beginning to adopt wearable safety tools, like pendants teachers can press to call for help. These are proving useful for everything from medical events to behavioral incidents.
Push-button lockdown devices inside classrooms are also gaining interest, especially when they’re simple to use. At the same time, some schools are using key fobs to give first responders quicker access to buildings.
As with any new tool, the goal is to make sure it’s easy to understand, fast to activate, and protected from misuse. Tech-savvy students have already found ways to bypass weaker systems, which is something to keep in mind.
6. Identity Management and Cybersecurity Are Growing Priorities
More schools are integrating ID badges with access systems, both to streamline entry and improve tracking. These tools help make sure the right people are in the right places at the right times.
But as more of this data goes digital, cybersecurity becomes a bigger concern. Some systems that were previously considered secure have been breached. Schools are now balancing the push for digital access with the need to protect against hacks and data exposure.
Not every staff member wants to use personal devices for access control either, which adds another layer of complexity.
7. Take a Long-Term View When Making Decisions
The most consistent advice we heard: don't rush. Avoid making high-cost decisions based on a single event or news cycle. Instead, take a step back and look at your district’s needs over the next several years.
Start by identifying your most common threats. Then build out a plan that accounts for budget limits, staffing, and building age. There are free tools available—like schoolSafety.gov and PASS guidelines—that help teams assess their options without pressure from vendors.
A facilities director summed it up well when he said, “Plan. Process. Protocol. Practice. Prevention. That’s what it takes to make schools safer.”
Final Thoughts
There’s no silver bullet when it comes to school safety. Every district is different, and every building has its own challenges. But the shift we’re seeing—from product-focused thinking to system-focused planning—is a good one.