The Springfield School Board of Oregon, which covers more than 22 schools and close to 11,000 students, approved safety and security upgrades for two district elementary schools. 

The updates will be made at Riverbend Elementary and Mt. Vernon Elementary at a cost of $113,408 and $109,281. The upgrades were needed due to legacy equipment and vandalism issues. 

"This project consists of utilizing as much of the existing wire infrastructure as possible," board documents stated. "In addition, there will be interior and exterior cameras additions and replacements, an updated video monitoring system, a video recorder server, exterior card reader access controls, interior intrusion detection systems and appropriate building lockdown capabilities."

Previously, the district installed intercom and push-button entrances at the district buildings. 

Cameras will be placed in difficult to reach areas, according to the district, and have protective lenses and covers to prevent vandalism of the cameras.