The new security fencing project was recently completed, ensuring a more secure campus at Utopia School. Per Superintendent Michael Derry, most of the fencing and electronic doors were funded by Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) divisions of the United States Department Of Justice (USDOJ). The final section of fencing between the Resource Building and the Main Building was financed through the Texas Education Agency’s State Safety Grant.
Students will now stay within the fenced area for the day once they enter the campus every morning. Students will no longer have to carry key cards as the doors will automatically be unlocked during passing periods to allow students to move from the gyms to the different buildings within the fences. Teachers have keycards if a student needs to go to one of the other buildings during class time. Adult visitors and parents picking up their students will enter through the main doors that are not within the perimeter of the fences and will be checked in by school staff.
Per Mr Derry, the fencing project began in July of 2022, and the last portion between the two main buildings was completed in August 2023. When asked about the benefits of the new security measures, Mr. Derry stated, “Safety has always been and should continue to be the number one priority for any school district. For this reason, I am happy that we can provide another layer of protection for our students. It is, however, sad that fencing has become necessary to keep unauthorized individuals from coming in contact with our students. Previously, the reason fencing was installed around a school district was to keep young students from running into the street or keep balls from being kicked into the streets. It is now required to keep unauthorized individuals away from the students.
When asked if there was anything that the community should be aware of, Mr. Derry stated, “It is important for the community to know that it is our goal to do everything possible to keep the students of Utopia ISD safe while they are at school and while it may not be what we would like, fencing is another element in protecting our students.”
