Unified Keying and Door Hardware Modernization in Southern New England
By Brian Lundgren | February 3, 2026
Last summer, Dugmore & Duncan completed a comprehensive school door hardware and key system upgrade for a public school district located in the South Coast region of southern New England. The project focused on improving school security, life safety, and operational efficiency across multiple buildings—while aligning the district with modern access control and key management best practices.
The successful completion of this project has since laid the groundwork for future upgrades within the district.
The Challenge: Outdated Keying and Inconsistent Hardware
Prior to the project, the school district identified the need to:
Upgrade aging and inconsistent door hardware
Improve classroom security and intruder response capabilities
Bring multiple schools onto one unified master key system
Align all facilities with the rest of the district’s keying standards
Several schools were operating on different key systems and outdated hardware, making security, maintenance, and key control more difficult for staff and facilities management.
Planning, Coordination, and Site Evaluation
Before work began, Dugmore & Duncan met with key stakeholders, including:
The school principal
The head custodian
Facilities management personnel
Our team conducted a full school survey across four schools—three elementary schools and one middle school—reviewing existing doors, locks, exit devices, and high-traffic areas.
This planning phase ensured the solution addressed current security needs while supporting long-term scalability across the school system.
The Summer Installation and Upgrade
The work was completed over the summer break, minimizing disruption to students and staff. The scope of work included:
Key System Standardization
Integrated all four schools into the district’s existing master keying system
Improved key control, access management, and emergency readiness
Classroom and Exit Hardware Upgrades
Installed intruder classroom function locks on all classroom doors
Installed intruder function exit devices where required
Enhanced the ability for staff to quickly secure classrooms during emergencies
High-Traffic Door Replacements
Replaced several pairs of metal doors in high-use areas
Improved durability, safety, and long-term performance
All work was completed in time for the start of the school year.
Results: Proven Success and Future Expansion
Since the project was completed last summer, the district has seen:
Improved school security and intruder preparedness
A consistent, simplified district-wide keying system
Durable, modern hardware designed for educational environments
Positive feedback from school administrators and facilities staff
The stakeholders were highly satisfied with the results and are currently working on the budget to extend similar upgrades to two additional schools within the district.
A Model for School Security Upgrades
This completed South Coast project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and coordinated execution—especially during summer recess—can significantly improve school safety, security, and operational efficiency.
Dugmore & Duncan looks forward to continuing our partnership with this district as they expand upgrades to additional schools.