In reaction to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Evanston/Skokie School District 65 has joined other districts across the country in increasing security at its schools, primarily through camera and buzzer systems that control access to the buildings.

Don Stevenson, director of buildings and grounds for D65, said the district began installing the systems at its schools in 1994. But after the Sept. 11 attacks, security concerns became heightened, he said.

“We’ve had the capability for some time, but September 11 woke us all up,” Stevenson said.

The systems consist of outdoor security cameras aimed at each school’s main entrance. Inside, school officials can look at monitors to see visitors and can speak to them through intercoms. Officials then press a button that unlocks the door.

Although all schools had two systems installed at their front and back entrances by the beginning of this school year, not all were using them on a regular basis until Sept. 11, Stevenson said.

“After then, the superintendent made them mandatory and I know we’ve been consistent,” he said.

In recent weeks, schools across the country have increased security in response to the attacks and subsequent anthrax exposures in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

Nina Williams, principal of Orrington Elementary School, said her school has paid particular attention to security issues recently.

“Safety was a big concern when September 11 happened,” Williams said. “We went into a very safe mode, and that has continued ever since.”

Orrington officials activated the buzzer system at the beginning of the school year.

Williams said she has felt safer because of the system. And because Orrington is more secure, children are more at ease, she said.

“Children feel safe based on the mood of the school,” Williams said.

She said Orrington has reviewed its crisis plan in case of emergency and has encouraged teachers and staff members to become familiar with it. Also, the district has provided the school with information on how to handle suspicious mail, she said.

Stevenson said the district’s principals now can take control of their schools in a crisis, which was not possible until the buzzer systems and door-locking policies were established.

“We are able to basically lock down our schools,” Stevenson said. “It has enhanced the safety and security of our kids tremendously. If there are any concerns or issues, the principals are in direct contact with my office.”

In addition, the district uses a private security service, Phoenix Security Agency, to inspect school grounds on weekends and look for anything suspicious.

Willard Elementary School principal Shelley Paulson Carey said the buzzer system has increased the sense of security at Willard, while allowing the school to function as normal as possible.

“It’s nothing that’s real excessive,” Paulson Carey said. “It’s not like we’re now a guarded fortress.”

D65’s job is to teach middle and elementary school children, but for Williams, the effects of Sept. 11 have expanded the role to protecting them in the face of what were once unthinkable tragedies.

“It kind of heightened our awareness,” Williams said. “We look at everything now in terms of school safety.”