Delaware § 2306 - Safety features in new school construction or major renovations [For applicability of this section, see 81 Del. Laws, c. 267, § 3].

§ 2306. Safety features in new school construction or major renovations [For applicability of this section, see 81 Del. Laws, c. 267, § 3].

(a) For purposes of this section, “major renovation” means a renovation project with costs equal to or greater than the threshold amount established for a Major Capital Improvement Program project under 14 DE Admin. Code 401.

(b) Whenever a new school is constructed or a major renovation undertaken, the construction or renovation must include, at a minimum, all of the following:

(1) Secured vestibule, which serves as the primary entrance to screen visitors, equipped with an intercom or video call box and interior doors that can be electronically released by school staff.

(2) Ballistic-resistant glass or other ballistic-resistant material, or security film in all secured vestibule, lobby, and office areas used to screen visitors.

(3) Classroom doors that can be locked from the outside using a key or magnetic card locking system. Classroom doors that can be locked from both sides must comply with the requirements under the current edition of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Regulations or the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code 101.

(4) Installation of a panic button or intruder alert system that is capable of being activated from the school office and a handheld device.

(c) The Comprehensive School Safety Program (CSSP) and Department of Education shall provide emerging best practices for ballistic and alarm capabilities to school districts and the Office of Management and Budget Division of Facilities Management annually.

(d) If, after the review conducted under § 6307A(b)(7) of Title 29, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security finds that the district’s construction plan does not comply with the requirements of this section, then the district may request an additional review by the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security shall conduct a review of the district’s construction plan and make the final determination about the construction plan’s compliance with this section.

81 Del. Laws, c. 267, § 1;  84 Del. Laws, c. 441, § 1;  85 Del. Laws, c. 312, § 1;