Driven by the goal of developing the safest environment possible for students, teachers and visitors, the Waukee Community School District recently partnered with Baker Group to enhance its door access control system. As one of the largest school systems in Iowa, the district’s 25 buildings include nearly 400 access points.

Waukee turned to Baker Group because they wanted a partner experienced with some of the newest, most effective access control technologies on the market.

“We needed a partner that could provide insight on what systems would be best to help us accomplish our goals of improving safety and security, while also having the expertise in the field to take on such a large-scale project,” says Shaun Flood, Safety & Security Coordinator for the Waukee Community School District. “I have had experience with Baker Group in the past and I was confident we would receive the type of quality work we expected, and it would be completed in a timely manner.” 

Baker Group began work on converting the district to a Gallagher door access system in the summer of 2023. Lou Kelleher, Project Manager at Baker Group, says Gallagher’s technology was a perfect fit for Waukee as it is renowned for its robust security features and user-friendly interface. 

"The Gallagher system offers unparalleled security, with advanced encryption protocols that make it virtually unhackable,” Kelleher says. “Additionally, its intuitive interface allows for seamless management of access permissions, whether through a computer or mobile device." 

Kelleher adds that implementation of the Gallagher system extends beyond basic access control, offering the utmost in versatility to meet Waukee’s unique needs as an educator.

"With the Gallagher system, school administrators have the flexibility to grant or revoke access remotely, ensuring efficient management of security protocols," Kelleher says. "Moreover, in the event of an emergency, such as a lockdown situation, authorized personnel can initiate security measures instantly from their mobile devices."

Among the challenges Baker Group faced in the conversion was managing the inherited infrastructure from the previous system. Kelleher says it was helpful to have electrical expertise in-house to address the myriad issues with the wiring they uncovered in the early stages of the project. 

“What we uncovered necessitated extensive rectification efforts," Kelleher says. "But we knew it was something we could handle. Our team of technicians demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in overcoming these challenges, ensuring the seamless integration of the Gallagher system." 

The successful deployment of the Gallagher access control is yet another example of Baker Group's commitment to delivering innovative solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its clients. 

"I'm immensely proud of our team's efforts in implementing this project, which has resulted in heightened security measures across the Waukee School District," Kelleher says. "Our collaboration with Gallagher exemplifies our dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to safeguard educational environments."

Flood says the district has embraced the new technology. 

“This project has moved us forward, there is no doubt,” he says. “Adding this type of technology is allowing us to be proactive in the way we protect our buildings, while also giving us the flexibility to harden our security from anywhere in real-time if a situation calls for it.” 

Looking ahead, Baker Group remains committed to supporting the ongoing security needs of the district as it continues to expand and evolve. 

"As new buildings come online and security requirements evolve, we stand ready to provide comprehensive support and expertise to ensure the continued safety and security of students, staff and visitors," Kelleher says.