When schools across the United States closed their doors in spring 2020, administrators, teachers, and parents faced an unprecedented disruption. No graduation ceremonies, no spring sports, no final days with classmates and favorite teachers. The COVID-19 pandemic had shut down education as the country knew it.
But within that disruption was an opportunity. With buildings empty and calendars cleared, school districts had a rare window to address the maintenance, upgrades, and security improvements that had been perpetually deferred in favor of more pressing daily concerns.
The Opportunity That Was
Bolo Stick founder Bill Barna, a 33-year law enforcement veteran, urged schools at the time to adopt the old farming principle: make hay while the sun shines. With students and staff at home, there was no better time to conduct facility assessments, complete deferred maintenance, and install physical security upgrades without disrupting the academic schedule.
The to-do list for most school districts was long: routine inspections, facility repairs, upgraded access control systems, door barricade devices, improved surveillance systems, and enhanced emergency communication infrastructure. Each of these items had been sitting at the back of the priority queue, waiting for a window that never seemed to open.
Did Schools Actually Invest?
The answer is mixed. Some districts used federal relief funding, including ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) dollars, to invest in physical security alongside pandemic-related health upgrades. Others directed the majority of available funding toward technology for remote learning, HVAC improvements for air quality, and staffing.
The result became painfully apparent as students returned.
The Window Is Always Open
The lesson of 2020 extends beyond the pandemic. Every summer break, every holiday closure, every construction season represents an opportunity to address security gaps.
The past two decades have proven that hidden dangers and prevalent violence are not temporary phenomena. The Bolo Stick door barricade, manufactured from 1045 cold-rolled steel and rated for more than 4,200 pounds of force, can be installed during any break period with minimal disruption. There is no longer an excuse to delay.
"Be aware, proactive, and safe."
Use the time you have. Shop Bolo Stick door barricade devices