Earlier this year, Marco Island Academy began installing a new perimeter fence around campus to improve school safety. While the fence’s structure is complete, the system is still waiting on the final components before it becomes fully operational.
According to Kevin Ray, Dean of Students at MIA, the physical installation of the fence and gate has been finished, but additional technology is still being added.“The fencing structure and the gate are finished as it relates to the fence company’s installation,” Ray said. “The additional components are adding electric and access controls to it.”
Because the access system has not yet been finalized, the fence has not significantly changed daily operations at the school.“No, not at this moment, because we’re still waiting for the electrical components to be finalized and installed,” Ray said.
As a result, the school community has not had a strong reaction to the fence so far. “Right now, it’s a minimal reaction, simply because the gate is not operational,” Ray explained. Once the access control system is fully implemented, however, students and parents may begin to notice adjustments to campus entry and exit procedures. Ray said the school expects there to be a short adjustment period as everyone becomes familiar with the new system.
When asked whether the new system could cause problems for students, Ray said he does not expect any major issues but believes there may be an adjustment period. “I wouldn’t say unexpected, I would say a learning curve,” Ray said. “Parents picking up students or dropping students off during the operational school day will just have to be patient with the gate opening and closing.”
This process will also apply to students who leave campus during the school day, including those participating in dual enrollment programs. English Teacher, Keith Scalia, expressed his hopes for the gate being finished: “I look forward to having a secure campus during both school hours and after school to ensure the safety of all students and staff.”
“The same goes for the dual enrollment students coming and going,” Ray added.
As the final pieces of the system are installed, the school expects the perimeter fence to play an important role in improving campus security and managing access to the campus during the school day.
