Case Study: Indianapolis Public Schools Makes Special-Lite the Standard
Overview
Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), covering 80 square miles and a student population of more than 30,000, faced a significant challenge in maintaining safe, secure, and easily manageable facilities. Managing such a large, diverse campus network led IPS to seek innovative solutions for improving security and operational efficiency across their facilities.
Challenge
The IPS facility maintenance team needed a secure, reliable, and low maintenance solution for managing access to their extensive campus network. With a history of issues related to traditional key systems0 such as copying, losing, and misplacement of keys- IPS aimed to move toward a more streamlined, keyless entry system. Previous attempts at electronic access control using magnetic strip readers were unsuccessful due to frequent misuse, damage, and vandalism by students, adding a layer of additional maintenance for staff.
Solutions
Special-Lite provided IPS with a unique, customized solution- SL-17 ® Pebble Grain Hybrid FRP Doors prepped for concealed proximity card reader technology. This door model was tailored to support a low-profile proximity card reader directly inside the door leaf, effectively concealing the access control system and eliminating external vulnerabilities. The embedded proximity reader solution addressed several critical needs for IPS:
Enhanced Security
By concealing the reader behind the FRP face sheet, the access control system was protected from tampering, vandalism, and environmental exposure. The FRP material did not obstruct signal transmission, enabling smooth card reading functionality without visible components.
Reduced Maintenance
Unlike previous magnetic strip readers and wall-mounted card readers that were frequently subjected to physical damage, the secure concealed readers in the FRP doors required significantly less maintenance, ensuring a more durable solution. The construction of the SL-17 added additional value. Special-Lite Hybrid FRP doors utilize a time-proven design that is impact resistant, corrosion-resistant, and extremely durable unlike wood and hollow metals doors that were previously used by the district.
Keyless Convenience
Proximity card readers eliminated the need for traditional keys, reducing administrative burden and security risks associated with lost or duplicate keys.
Outcome
Implementing Special-Lite’s SL-17 Hybrid FRP Doors equipped with internal proximity card readers transformed access management across Indianapolis Public Schools. The concelaed readers provided a strong solution to the district’s security challenges, significantly reducing maintenance issues and enhancing the lifespan of their access control systems.
A mix of informal and formal training along with clear communication helped staff become familiar with the new system and understand exactly when and where to use their access cards.
IPS standardized the SL-17 door configuration across the district, benefiting from a secure, durable, and efficient access control system that aligns with their commitment to keep students and staff safe. At the time, this kind of access control was relatively new. Today, Special-Lite is the basis of design and sole manufacturer specified for exterior doors across the IPS system.
By leveraging Special-Lite’s innovative solution, Indianapolis Public Schools not only improved security but also achieved long-term cost savings and operational efficiency, demonstrating the value Special-Lite brings to educational facilities.
