Glass Windows Cause Concern for Students at Costa 

At Mira Costa High School, we have an extensive number of glass windows and doors in the math and science building, which has become a growing concern for students and staff. 

While the doors and windows may offer natural light and a new modern aesthetic, these structures present major risks in emergency scenarios such as fires, school shootings and evacuations in a multi story building. 

In an event of an emergency, these large, floor-to-ceiling doors and large windows, hinder a safe evacuation. These risks intensify since the glass of the windows and doors strip the classroom’s protection, making students exposed to what is outside classrooms. 

Unlike traditional walls, which provide a level of cover and privacy, glass is an open invitation for any harmful individuals to have direct contact with students. This makes hiding spots and safety protocols ineffective. 

Students and teachers would be put in vulnerable situations, unable to protect themselves and the class. Being in a three story building, this risk is especially pronounced where stairwells, hallways and classrooms are a potential threat in an evacuation. 

Additionally, the challenges posed during evacuations broaden the threats. Whether due to fire alarms, natural disasters, or security lockdowns, evacuating hundreds of students across small halls while having large heavy doors and windows makes the process more dangerous. 

Students are forced to navigate stairwells and are not immediately protected, as broken glass adds another hazard to an already stressful situation. 

Ultimately the use of glass among the math and science building creates precarious situations where the students are meant to be protected, but instead are placed in harm’s way. 

Safety shouldnt be sacrificed for aesthetics, this makes us as a community have to reconsider how these windows jeopardize students’ lives during emergencies that we unfortunately have to prepare for in the future. 

Students, teachers and parents deserve the comfort of knowing that classrooms and schools are designed with safety, not just appearance.