‘April/May 2024 Update from Pickerington Schools’

Pickerington Local Schools recently received a significant boost in funding to enhance the security measures across the district. The State of Ohio awarded the school district 1.5 million dollars to make physical security improvements, with the grant administered by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and the Ohio School Safety Center.

The funding, which was part of Ohio’s operating budget and allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act, allowed for a thorough assessment of the district’s security needs. Working with stakeholders and utilizing data from recent assessments, including those provided by the Ohio School Safety Center and Partners Alliance for School Safety, the district identified key areas for improvement.

The funds were allocated towards enhancing visitor management, signage and wayfinding, electronic access control, first aid response, perimeter protection and monitoring, cyber security, communications, and closed circuit television systems. Each upgrade contributes to enhancing the overall physical security profile of the district, aligning with best practices to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.

While specifics of the security upgrades cannot be disclosed for safety reasons, the improvements being made are vital steps towards creating a secure environment for all individuals within the Pickerington Local Schools district.

In addition to the focus on security, the community came together to celebrate diversity and culture at the annual CommUNITY Cultural Festival. Held at Toll Gate Middle School, the event featured free food, music demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, and more. The festival provided a platform for the community to come together and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the Pickerington area.

For those who missed the event, pictures can be viewed in the April/May 2024 issue of Pickerington Magazine or by visiting the provided link. The CommUNITY Cultural Festival was indeed a feast for the eyes and spirit, showcasing the vibrant and diverse community of Pickerington.