On Monday evening, at a special meeting, the Board of Education approved (6-1) a resolution adopting weapons detection and enhanced safety measures.
Jeff Russo, District Director of School Climate and Safety, Dr. Leah Kedley, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation Equity and Engagement, Terry Gilloolley, Chief Finance Officer, and Andrea Tote-Freeman, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services, provided an overview presentation that outlined potential increased student support and safety interventions as well as a comparison of different types of safety screening systems, and the approximate costs.
Both Board President Rivera and Superintendent Dr. Cotto thanked the school community for their feedback and for attending the meetings, emphasizing that this was a difficult discussion.
The next step for the safety screening system rollout is to open a request for proposal (RFP), a formal bidding process, for vendors to offer bids on the project. Meanwhile, the district will look to pilot screening systems at multiple school buildings and host a safety system fair for vendors to display products.
The implementation timeline target date is late December during the winter recess.
In addition to implementing weapons detection, the district will continue to engage in a four-tiered plan to improve safety and climate including support for mental health and well-being. The presentation outlined additional potential safety supports and interventions including additional staffing, resources, and services to provide holistic support, and professional development opportunities for students, staff, families, and community members to strengthen skills and to support physical and mental health in school. Training will also include guidance and training on the implementation of the weapons detection system, and steps to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
We will keep you updated regarding the details and timeline of the new safety measures.
You can watch the video of the meeting here
You can submit questions and comments at any time through Let's Talk.