By Julie Brown, Institutional Market Leader, Johnson Controls, Building Solutions North America

A Midwest private high school, located in an underprivileged community, was facing many challenges, including aging security technology, limited finances and growing threats in the neighborhood. To determine the best solution for funding and operations, the school needed to team up with a security partner that could meet all of its safety needs within budget and in a timely manner.

Devising a smart security strategy

Based on its successful decade long partnership with Johnson Controls, the school decided to tap the team for additional help. Johnson Controls, in partnership with facilities management and IT directors, devised a detailed 5-year plan and service agreement to carefully upgrade systems and incrementally grow within tight budget restraints. The plan also outlined a timeline for completing the work, which would all take place during the summer when school was not in session to not disturb the learning environment for students and teachers.

We updated the school’s security technology, including its security cameras located outside of the school to monitor the edge of the campus. The new cameras help reach activity on nearby streets within the neighborhood, which can be shared with local police to help keep the community safe. Not only is the school’s new technology helping to keep students and faculty secure, but it also now serves as a positive contributor to the local community.

Reaping the safety benefits

In addition to upgrading security technology on the campus, we added card readers to technology, such as copiers and printers. Through these enhancements, the school has been able to improve their overall cost structure and sustainability. Johnson Controls is providing monitoring, inspection and maintenance of all equipment on site, including cleaning and focusing cameras and updating software. As a result, the school has been able to sustain its security budget with more advanced protection as well as share the benefits of its assets to make the local neighborhood safer.

Learn how Johnson Controls can help keep your school and its surrounding community become safer, smarter and more sustainable.