Key Benefits

Executive Summary

In the wake of tragic school shootings, Aspen Academy, a Pre-K through 8th-grade school in Metro Denver with 500 students, sought to transform its security approach from reactive to proactive. After an extensive evaluation of various security solutions, Aspen Academy implemented Volt.ai's artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system in fall 2023.

Key outcomes of the Volt.ai implementation include rapid threat detection, cost-effectiveness compared to human security personnel, positive impact on insurance rates, educational opportunities, and scalability for future expansion.

About Aspen Academy

Aspen Academy is an independent school just south of Denver, Colorado, serving 500 students from Pre-K through 8th grade. Known for its innovative approach to education, the school is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff.

In the summer of 2022, following the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Lynda Sailor, Founder and Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Aspen Academy, as well as the rest of leadership recognized the urgent need to enhance their security measures. The school's existing security system was primarily reactive, serving as a forensic tool after incidents occurred.

The Search for a Solution

Research and Evaluation Process

Aspen Academy embarked on a comprehensive research process to identify the best security practices and products available. They conducted internal audits using the PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) checklist and sought external expertise from Brad Stiles, the head of school safety for Colorado, who provided an audit of their programs.

In evaluating potential solutions, Aspen Academy prioritized:

1. Cost-effectiveness
2. Proactive capabilities
3. Integration with existing systems
4. User-friendliness and ongoing support

Testing and Real-World Performance

Comparing Solutions

Lynda and the Aspen team conducted a rigorous review of multiple solutions, including VOLT, Net Talon, Zero Eyes, and Avigilon. 

Immediately, the effectiveness of the VOLT AI system stood out through the rigorous testing process. In one test involving weapon detection, Lynda, Greenwood Village Police, and the team were able to consistently detect weapons of various sizes at numerous distances and receive notifications within seconds.

"During testing, I got a weapons notification on my phone before the officer  with the weapon even got to the entrance of the school. At that point I knew this was the real deal. This was good."

•  Lynda Sailor, Founder and Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Aspen Academy

In addition to VOLT’s prowess with weapon detection features, the Aspen team appreciated the tailored approach offered by the VOLT team, which was more focused on the needs of a school atmosphere rather than militaristic in nature like other companies in consideration.

Some of the other primary reasons for the team choosing VOLT included:

• Quick response time during testing (less than 30 seconds for key alerts)
• Human review of alerts through VOLT’s security operations center
• Ongoing support and responsiveness from the VOLT AI team
• Cost-effectiveness compared to hiring a full-time security person
• AI-based system reducing human error in monitoring
• Integration with their existing camera system and other security measures

Ultimately, Aspen chose Volt.ai for its balanced approach to security, technological prowess, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, and ability to integrate well with their existing systems and needs.

Real-World Incidents

The system has proven its value in real-world situations as well. Lynda shared two incidents that highlighted the system's sensitivity and educational potential:

1. A student-made 3D-printed pocket knife
2. A Nerf gun brought to school

In both cases despite not malintent, the system alerted staff promptly, allowing for quick intervention and creating teachable moments, demonstrating how the system can be used to reinforce the importance of school safety among students.

Key Benefits and Outcomes

Enhanced Security and Peace of Mind

The VOLT AI system has significantly enhanced Aspen Academy's security posture, providing real-time alerts and allowing for rapid response to potential threats.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to traditional security measures, VOLT has proven to be highly cost-effective. When compared with the cost it would take to use security guards to attempt to solve the same problem, it is a significantly smaller investment.

"Hiring the equivalent of one full-time security employee to attempt to do even a fraction of what VOLT can, costs more than the Volt AI system. So when you think of it that way, it is a massive cost savings."

•  Lynda Sailor, Founder and Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Aspen Academy

Insurance Impact

The enhanced security measures, including the Volt.ai system, have had a positive impact on the school's insurance rates. Lynda reported that at a time when most of their school counterparts were experiencing about a 20 percent increase in their insurance rates, their rates were able to remain flat, likely in large part to their use of VOLT.

Educational Opportunities

Beyond its primary security function, the VOLT system has created opportunities for educating students about safety and responsible behavior.

Future Plans

Aspen Academy is planning to expand its campus, adding a new building for early childhood education that will accommodate an additional 100 students. The scalability of the Volt.ai system will allow for easy integration into this new space.

The implementation of Volt.ai at Aspen Academy demonstrates how AI-powered security solutions can provide schools with a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to enhancing safety. 

By transforming their security system from a reactive tool to a proactive deterrent, Aspen Academy has not only improved its security posture,  created educational opportunities for students and staff; and realized financial benefits.

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