One of my co-teachers said her son has just been hired as a new teacher in Missouri and he was given a classroom key and a building key.  She and I have taught for 30 years and we are not allowed to have a building key over the summer----not even allowed to sign for one and check it out. This seems to be a district-wide policy.  We have a new reading series to start in the fall and new behavior lessons we need to teach each day.  Now that we have relaxed a little and we're starting to think about getting things ready for the fall, we want to drop in to the classroom and pick up materials.  There are too many books to bring home at one time.  I live two blocks from the school.  The principal said we could call him and he would let us in any time we want. (providing he is available.)

Is this common to other school districts?  We have not had break-ins or problems with security that I know of. All the custodians have keys----even the young ones just starting out.  Shouldn't veteran teachers who have proved to be reliable and trust-worthy be allowed to have building keys?