Schlage Classroom Locks 101: Best Practices and the Future of School Security

Introduction

School safety and security are paramount concerns for students, teachers, and parents. A 2022 Gallup poll found that 44% of parents of K-12 students fear for their child's physical safety at school. While school shootings are a significant concern, they are not the sole threat. Schools must also consider weather-related emergencies, fires, bomb threats, bullying, vandalism, and other incidents when assessing safety components and procedures. The ultimate goal is to ensure safety for every student and staff member, in every situation, every day.

The Traditional Approach to Classroom Security

A fundamental aspect of school safety is the locked classroom door. Security experts and PASS (the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) agree that classroom doors should be closed and locked whenever students are present. A lockdown during an active shooter incident at Rancho Tehama School, for example, helped save lives. Doors locked from the inside should allow free egress during emergencies and comply with national accessibility standards.

The traditional classroom function lock is designed to be locked and unlocked only from the outside with a key, lacking an interior locking function. It can be set to "passage mode," keeping it unlocked from the outside. In a lockdown, a key holder must open the door to lock it, potentially exposing them to danger. Another common approach is the storeroom function lock, which is always locked from the outside and requires a key holder for passage. While this prevents errors during lockdowns, it can disrupt daily school activities requiring frequent egress.

This article explores why these traditional lock functions are no longer recommended and introduces three improved alternatives that balance security and convenience for daily operations and emergency situations.

Traditional Classroom Function

The primary reason the traditional classroom function lock is no longer best practice is that it requires staff to open the door to lock it from the outside during an emergency lockdown, potentially exposing them to danger. The locking mechanism operates solely from the exterior. A key holder must be present and have quick access to keys to lock the door, which can cost precious minutes in critical situations. Students alone in a classroom cannot lock the door without a key. To avoid the disruption of continually letting students in, staff might leave the door in "passage mode," meaning it's always unlocked from the outside. This compromises security, allowing unauthorized entry unless the teacher can reach the exterior to lock it during an emergency, which goes against guidelines to keep doors locked.

Diagram Description: A lock mechanism with a keyhole on the exterior and a lever on the interior. The exterior can be locked with a key, but the interior lever has no locking mechanism.

Storeroom Function

Similar to the traditional classroom function, the storeroom function lock is always locked from the outside and allows free egress from the inside. However, it lacks a passage mode. Entry requires someone inside the classroom to open the door. This often leads schools to use door props or frame magnets to create a makeshift passage mode, keeping the door unlocked. These methods may not align with best practices. For instance, frame magnets prevent the latch bolt from extending, potentially weakening the lock's springs over time. Reports, such as the 2022 Interim Report by the Investigative Committee on the Robb Elementary Shooting, noted teachers using magnets to allow free student movement, only removing them for police checks to comply with policies.

Diagram Description: A lock mechanism that is always locked from the exterior. A key is required to operate the lock from either side. The interior lever allows free exit.

Best Practice Guidelines for Classrooms

Industry best practices dictate that classroom locks should meet the following criteria:

• Ability to quickly secure the door from inside the room by any occupant in an emergency.
• Solutions that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and fire and life safety codes.
• Ability for authorized school personnel or first responders to gain entry quickly and easily from outside the room using keys or credentials.
• Visual indicators to show the locked or unlocked status of the door.

Classroom Security Function

Unlike traditional classroom locks, the classroom security function lock can be secured from the inside of the classroom using a key. Teachers do not need to exit the classroom to lock the outside lever, as the locking function is accessible from both sides. The inside lever always remains unlocked, ensuring free egress as required by code. This method is safer than traditional locks because the door does not need to be opened to lock it. Key control also reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals locking the door, helping to deter bullying or vandalism. However, a key holder must be present and have access to the key in high-stress situations, which can be challenging if students are alone. Some jurisdictions may not permit this function; local codes should always be consulted.

Diagram Description: A lock mechanism with a keyhole on the exterior and a lever on the interior. A key can lock the exterior lever from either side. The interior lever always allows free exit.

Entrance/Office Function

The entrance/office function lock is versatile and crucial for emergency lockdowns. It can be used on various interior doors, significantly enhancing classroom security. In addition to a keyed outside lever, it features a thumb turn or push button on the inside that can lock or unlock the outside lever. This allows anyone near the door to lock it quickly, without needing the key holder to be present. The inside lever remains unlocked for free egress. This feature enables faster lockdown actions during emergencies if someone can reach the lock. It also simplifies key management for substitute teachers, as staff can grant access. A drawback is that students might misuse this feature to lock themselves in, potentially leading to mischief. However, with proper training, even young students can be empowered to act during emergencies, as suggested by the Safe and Sound Schools safety toolkit.

Diagram Description: A lock mechanism with a keyed outside lever and an interior lever. The interior lever also has a thumb turn or push button to lock/unlock the exterior lever. The interior lever always allows free egress.

Electronic Locks

Electronic locks offer the most benefits, though they represent a higher cost. When integrated into a centralized access control system, they provide streamlined, seconds-long lockdown procedures. Occupants do not need keys or to be near the door; it's controlled remotely. All connected doors can lock simultaneously via a central command, with notifications alerting staff. These locks are also useful for scheduled access, such as in locker rooms. The inside lever always allows free egress. Electronic locks enhance monitoring, confirming door status (closed, latched, locked) in real-time via a centralized system, which also helps control unauthorized access. Staff no longer need to manage physical keys; credential technology (cards, fobs, PINs) allows instant management of access. Lost credentials can be instantly deactivated, and access history provides valuable information for preventing vandalism or unauthorized activities.

Diagram Description: An electronic lock system, showing a door with a card reader or keypad. It implies remote control and centralized management for locking and unlocking, with credentials like cards, fobs, or PINs used for access. The interior lever always allows free egress.

Benefits:

• All rooms are immediately locked down without a key or card.
• No need to go to a door to lock it during an emergency.
• Key holder presence is not required to secure the room.

Considerations:

• Software-based security systems require additional staff training and expertise.

Indicator Locks

Visual indicators are crucial for classroom security, especially when every second counts. These indicators show the real-time locked or unlocked status of a door. They can include arrows indicating key turn direction or status changes like LED lights or placards. Indicators help prevent confusion during emergencies and can be added to existing locksets with conversion kits, offering a low-cost security upgrade. If budget is a constraint, indicators can be an initial step in enhancing security.

Diagram Description: A lock with a visual indicator, such as a colored light (e.g., green for unlocked, red for locked) or an arrow, to show the door's status at a glance without approaching the door.

Other Areas Where Students Assemble

Areas like gymnasiums, auditoriums, and media centers, where students also learn and assemble, are considered classrooms and may require different hardware solutions to ensure safety.

Key Takeaways

Traditional classroom and storeroom locks are no longer recommended for classroom security as they do not meet current best practices. Instead, consider improved alternatives: classroom security locks, entrance/office function locks, and electronic locks. Each option has advantages and potential drawbacks, so individual needs should be carefully considered. Always consult local codes and jurisdictions. Avoid rushed decisions that could have unintended consequences. The goal is to balance convenience with the ultimate objective of safety for every student and staff member, in every situation, every day.