NEVADA, MO.--- Pam Greenlee sees everyone who comes into Benton Elementary School.
"We always ask that they sign in the notebook on the counter. There's a place for parents, we have students that come over to tutor," states Pam Greenlee, Secretary.
She's the eyes and ears at the entry way.
"That's why I'm positioned the way I do so I can see the front door and out the window and then we have the safety mirror out in the hall," states Greenlee.
Nevada school district leaders review their crisis plan each year to prepare for any building issues that could arise.
"A water line break, a gas leak, natural disasters, with severe weather we want to make sure everything is in place for it and then any threatening situation with an intruder," states Dr. Tyson Beshore, Assistant Superintendent.
Now, administrators are exploring ways they can beef up security throughout the district. The superintendent says it's a benefit for both parents and their kids.
"We can know the building is safe but it's important that the kids know they're safe and feel secure when they come to school," states Dr. David Stephens, Superintendent.
That includes making sure entrances like this one at Benton Elementary more secure.
"We would replace this whole wall with a secure wall that has locking doors that they would have to be buzzed in once they checked in," states Dr. Stephens.
Another change they are looking at, is adding double-paned glass with plastic.
"It's breakable but it takes a lot longer to get through," says Dr. Stephens.
School leaders also want all buildings to have security cameras at the front entrance.
"So that the secretary, the principal can always see who's approaching the building," states Dr. Stephens.
It's a potential addition that Greenlee welcomes.
"I think it would be much easier than to move myself around to see what's coming at me," states Greenlee.
Superintendent Stephens says architects are collecting ideas and they will meet next week to discuss what would work best for the buildings. It's not known yet what the cost will be, but Dr. Stephens hopes to fit it into the budget since it is a top priority.
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