Letter from Matt - Jan 31

Dear Overlake Community,

I want to update you on the status of security cameras on campus and work we are doing in regard to overall campus security. We started this work in the fall after several thefts on campus, the most disturbing being the laptops stolen from the Field House.

In working with the board and various members of the community, the school hired an outside security consultant to work with the school on increasing the security on campus. With his help we were able to identify several action items that we could put into practice this year as well as items we can pursue in the coming year.

Below are several changes occurring on campus.

1. Starting Tuesday, February 4 we will have 13 operating Verkada© video cameras on campus with a goal of increasing the number to 20 in the near future. These cameras are used by businesses and schools and have significant coverage areas. If you are curious where the cameras are located, you can find the information here. Our goal with installing these cameras was to increase security at the school and provide us with the ability to use the footage when a crime has been committed. We have created a set of guidelines associated with the use of the cameras and have included those guidelines here.
2. According to our security consultant one of the most effective ways to increase security is to have employees meet and greet anyone who comes on campus. Overlake’s Risk Management Committee is working on training our staff and faculty on how to do this consistently, cordially, and helpfully. This training will start this month.
3. Finally, at the start of the 2020-21 school year we will have a new entryway onto campus. We will use this new setting as an opportunity to be far more consistent with having all guests check in at the main office. More to come on that process this summer as we prepare for the school year.

These additional measures are in concert with our other security features on campus, which include the ability to lock down all the buildings on the entire campus with the click of a mouse, sheltering in place training, working with the local law enforcement on their response time to campus, as well as their walk-throughs of the campus.

Of course none of us like to think that there will be a time when we will have to use some of these security measures, but I am confident that these, along with our ongoing assessment of risks, will help us  strengthen and maintain our commitment to a safe, caring, and compassionate school.

If any of this information leads to questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Warmly,

Matt