By Elizabeth Birkner

For the first time in Oak Hall School history, every building has an electronic locking system, thus amplifying the safety within campus. It was decided that, beginning this school year, all students in the Middle and Upper School would use FOBs to access exterior doors around campus. Each student must have their student ID badge on them at all times, as this is how the unlocking system for the doors is possible since the “key” to unlock the door is within the badge. The FOBs system was implemented with the Middle and Upper School students in mind, as those students need to have access to different buildings for classes throughout the school day.

Jeff Malloy, Oak Hall’s Director of Operations, noted that numerous buildings on campus were equipped with electronic locks over the summer. “For the safety of everyone on the campus, this summer 22 access control systems were added throughout the campus including the Upper School. This allows for all exterior doors to buildings on campus to be secure during the school day,” he said. Not only were electronic locks added to the Upper School, but also “the Student Engagement Center, the rest of the Oxborough Gym, the Cofrin Gallery and Theater, as well as the art buildings,” Malloy noted.

When using the FOBs, the student holds their fob up to the scanner, and is then granted access to the building they want to enter. This ensures that only Oak Hall attendees can access specific buildings, which secures the safety of the school. “Change is always difficult, but this is change for the right reason…safety,” Malloy said.