As engineers and architects are busy completing designs for updates to Brainerd School District buildings following April's successful bonding referendum, one school will see visible changes soon.
A new secure entrance will greet students, staff and visitors at Garfield Elementary School after winter break.
The school's main doors will remain locked 8:15 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. during school days. All visitors during school hours will have to press a button outside the building and state their name and reason for their visit when prompted by someone in the office. The middle door will then be unlocked. Visitors will then check into the office upon entrance and should be prepared to show an ID.
"We're super glad that everyone's ready to come visit, and we just want to keep our kids safe," Garfield Principal Jodi Kennedy said in an informational video about the new entrance.
The Brainerd Dispatch traded phone calls with district officials but was not able to make contact before this story went to print.
