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Read the press release here.

More Security for Pilsen Grade School

By Chloe Riley | January 17, 2013 3:13pm
 Ruiz Elementary is increasing school security.
Ruiz Elementary is increasing school security.
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DNAinfo/Chloe Riley

PILSEN — Ruiz Elementary is beefing up school security.

At Wednesday’s school council meeting, Principal Dana Butler said the security increase doesn’t mean the school has had increased issues with crime. 

"Every year we always evaluate our security plan,” he said. "This is what we should be doing all of the time.”

Security measures include new security cameras for the school’s entrances, security camera installation on both floors of the school, and more off duty police officers to monitor those coming in and out of Ruiz.  

Both staff and the off-duty officers are also now wearing school ID badges, which Butler said is not a common sight in elementary schools.

So far, Butler said he has received only a few complaints from parents who now must take additional time to sign in and out at the office.

“When parents come to me, I’m gonna say, ‘I am so sorry, but I am so happy that I did it,’” he said of the additional security.  

Several Chicago police officers are also helping Butler reevaluate Ruiz’s emergency management plan as part of a citywide effort by Chicago Public Schools in light of the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. 

“I told them…think about it as if your kids went to this school,” Butler said.