Prior to the March North Merrick Board of Education meeting, school officials met with community members to discuss possible security enhancements for buildings throughout the district.
James Saitta, the director of facilities, led the discussion with visitors, and he started by saying that “creating and maintaining safe learning environments is part of our daily job.”
“While schools remain among the safest places for our students, one incident of violence or disruption of learning is one too many,” Saitta said.
Teachers, administrators and members of the community are growing increasingly concerned about school safety and the potential for violence that can exist in every community. Saitta stressed that, while school shootings have been in the forefront due to the recent tragedy in Newtown, CT., there are many types of incidents that can disrupt the learning process, such as:
- Child abduction
- Interior and exterior intruders and trespassers
- Personal vendetta’s from ex-husbands or ex-employees
- Theft of materials - computers, SmartBoards, etc.
- Theft of personal belongings – purses, phones, etc.
- Outdoor crimes – assault, vehicle theft, trespassing, etc.
- Vandalism – property destruction, vehicle damage
- Fighting, weapon carrying, bullying, etc.
- Interior school shooting
The following idea were brought to the table to serve as potential solutions for these issues:
- Identity Checking
- Security Cameras
- Panic Buttons
- Strobe Lights
- Visitor Management
- Vestibule Hardening
- Fencing and Gates
- Access Systems
- Door “buzzers”
- Security Guards
- Procedural Changes
- New Doors
One thing to consider is cost, and the district revealed estimates to some of the proposed improvements. For 180 cameras to be installed throughout the district, the cost is $945,592. For a swiping ID system to be implemented, it would be roughly $70,800. Additionally, for ID verification technology, the cost would be an estimated $18,000.
Many have suggested the district look into guards for the buildings. For pne interior unarmed guard per building from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. during school days only, the cost would be $80,000. For that job to cover 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on school days, it would be roughly $151,000. For one patrolling unarmed guard with a car from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. all year long, the cost would be $109,500.
Other possibilities were brought up at the meeting as well, and you can see the full slideshow accompanying this story.
"As you go through this document, keep in mind that the Board is not going to purchase every item that you will see as we need to spend our limited funds in the wisest manner possible," Superintendent David Feller said. "We also realize that “gadgets” alone are not the complete answer to solving this problem; our strong efforts need to continue in terms of drills, staff training, and ongoing monitoring and adjustments to our school safety plans and procedures."
What changes would you like to see implemented? Tell us in the comments section below.
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