Trustees look at school security
By Melinda L. Lucas
School safety and security was the topic of a fairly lengthy discussion during the Albany ISD board of trustees’ meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.
Although no action was taken, superintendent Jonathan Scott presented some information about state grants and federal Title IV monies that are available.
“The legislature spent quite a bit of time talking about school security during the last session, and there is some money that comes along with it,” said Scott. “Every school identified is eligible for a Safe School grant, and our portion is $25,000.”
Scott explained that the grant is not automatic, however, and the application he has submitted is subject to approval.
Title IV funding in the amount of about $8,000 is also available, Scott said.
A local committee, with board members Ginny Ivy and Joe Tidwell volunteering to serve along with staff members and others, has suggested several possible projects, all of which exceed the state grant amount.
“In our needs assessment on both campuses, safety was one of the main subjects,” said the superintendent. “And the trend seems to be toward security magnetic door systems for both campuses.”
Administrators are proposing to install the system on three main doors at each of the campuses. Office personnel could grant access after viewing visitors on a camera, and staff would be provided with lanyards to gain entrance. Other doors would stay locked.
Quotes for the system exceed the $25,000 grant amount, said Scott.
“We don’t want the community to think they’re not welcome at our schools, but we also want them to know we’re protecting our kids,” Scott said.
He added that although the state grants are not awarded until June, projects can be started before then.
Other security suggestions include fencing the elementary playground area and updating the district’s camera surveillance system.
Other Business
•The board unanimously approved a new policy for credit recovery, specifying that any student who fails a regular class and completes that class through credit recovery cannot receive a final grade higher than a 70, effective immediately.
•A resolution was passed giving the Shackelford County 4-H organization extracurricular status.
•Scott said that he had received word from the Texas Department of Transportation that signs on Main Street designating directions to the schools, stadium, etc. would not be replaced by TxDOT as they were taken down.
•No action was taken following a closed session regarding personnel that lasted a little over an hour.
