University Prep has had many changes to its security and safety protocols.

One of the most noticeable changes in the past few months was the addition of a security guard. UPrep has never had a true security guard in past years. Recently, however, UPrep deemed having an adult presence outside was a practice UPrep wanted to implement.

UPrep first added an “adult presence” that took the form of current UPrep staff members being visible next to the crosswalk.

“UPrep conducted a safety review process a few months ago, and determined that having a regular adult presence in front of the campus during the times that students are present was a practice we wanted to implement, to provide an additional layer of safety,” Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations Susan Lansverk said.

Later, a professional security guard was contracted to supplement the staff presence.

Head of School Matt Levinson recently sent out an email to families, detailing the plan regarding UPrep’s change in protocol.

“Beginning [Jan. 17], we are shifting that adult presence to a professional security presence for the immediate future. We have hired a professional security contractor, and he or one of his associates, will provide a security presence in front of UPrep during school hours,” he said.

UPrep’s new security presence is planned to be visible during hours of the day which students could be outside, such as lunch or before and after school. To provide this, UPrep has contracted a professional security firm to maintain security throughout UPrep’s campus.

“We just want to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for [UPrep],” said a company representative.

As a privately funded school, most changes regarding the safety and protection of those at UPrep are up to administration and staff to make.

Science teacher and safety officer Matt Palubinskas is working alongside a safety committee — a group of students, faculty, staff and administrators — to make UPrep as safe as possible.

“We’re trying to minimize risk, minimize hazard. We are trying to maximize security, not just in the physical sense, but [whether you] feel safe as a student,” Palubinskas said.

Although changes to UPrep’s safety are made by the school, other campuses have informed such changes like our neighbor, Temple Beth-Am, and peer schools such as Lakeside, Overlake and Bush.

“We make additions [and] subtractions to our current safety plan based on the risks we face” Lansverk said. “We assist each other in safety plans as good neighbors.”

UPrep’s safety protocols have been refined as time goes on, helping to create safe and comfortable working environments for students and staff alike.