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Newton Today
By the People, for the People
Massachusetts Schools Install Protective Bollards
Cement barriers aim to prevent vehicle incidents and improve student safety
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Schools across Massachusetts have been installing heavy-duty cement bollards at building entrances to protect against vehicle crashes, whether accidental or intentional. The bollards, weighing up to 3,000 pounds, are designed to stop vehicles from crashing into doorways. Lenox Memorial Middle and High School and Morris Elementary recently added the barriers, funded through a state grant, as part of a broader school safety assessment.
Why it matters
The installation of bollards at schools reflects the unfortunate reality of the need to prioritize student safety in the face of potential vehicle-related incidents. These physical barriers are becoming more common at schools nationwide as a proactive measure to prevent tragedies and protect students and staff.
The details
The bollards, standing several feet tall, are similar to the kind of barriers used to protect storefronts in cities and government buildings. Schools across Massachusetts, including in Newton, Brookline, Framingham, Worcester, and Springfield, have been adding these cement spheres to their building entrances over the past few years. The projects are typically funded through state safety grants or municipal budgets, with costs ranging from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the number of barriers and installation complexity.
- Lenox installed the bollards at both school entrances earlier this month.
- Newton public schools added bollards at several elementary buildings in 2022.
- Brookline installed bollards at multiple school entrances following national incidents involving vehicles and school buildings.
The players
William Colvin
School Resource Officer in Lenox who helped secure state funding for the bollard installation.
William Gop
DPW Superintendent in Lenox who worked on the bollard project.
William Collins
Superintendent of Lenox schools who requested a comprehensive safety assessment that led to the bollard installation.
What they’re saying
“The bollards help protect students and staff from a vehicle, whether it be something malicious or somebody who pulled in and had a medical emergency.”
— William Colvin, School Resource Officer (Berkshire Eagle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The installation of protective bollards at school entrances across Massachusetts highlights the growing need to prioritize student safety and prevent potential vehicle-related incidents, whether accidental or intentional. This proactive measure reflects the unfortunate reality schools face in ensuring the wellbeing of their students and staff.
