West Side School Board Approves Automated Doors

The district plans to install four new automated entrances to improve school accessibility for all students.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a simplified school building entrance with a ramp, representing improved accessibility in the community. — The West Side school board approved the installation of four automated doors to enhance facility accessibility for students with disabilities. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local school district prioritize funding accessibility upgrades like automated doors for school buildings?

The West Side school board has approved the installation of four automated doors at school entrances. These new installations are designed to provide improved access for individuals with handicap needs.

Why it matters

The upgrade aims to ensure that school facilities remain inclusive and accessible to the entire community. Funding for the project was secured through a combination of community grants and donations.

The project involves the installation of four automated doors across the district using grants from local donors. These units require full integration into the existing school security system.

The players

West Side school district

This is the local educational authority responsible for the oversight and security infrastructure of district facilities.

Lions Club

This is a global service organization that focuses on community support and charitable projects.

The details

The board secured the necessary funding through contributions from the Lions Club, Stokes Marketplace, AgWest Farm Credit, and the Franklin County Medical Center Foundation. The district is also adjusting its academic calendar, moving the end of the current semester to conclude before winter break.

October 2026: The school board held its monthly meeting to approve the project.
October 31, 2026: The automated doors are expected to be fully installed.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader trend of retrofitting aging public infrastructure to meet modern inclusivity standards. Such upgrades align with the mandates of the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring campuses are accessible to all residents.

Students and visitors with handicap needs will gain independent access to school facilities once the project is complete. These changes streamline daily routines for those requiring assistance navigating campus entrances.

The takeaway

Upgrading older school buildings with automated features is a critical step in providing equal access for the local community. Residents should monitor district communications for potential developments regarding a fifth door in the gym foyer.