Security Changes in Rye Schools

Here is an update from the last Board of Ed meeting regarding security changes in Rye Schools in the wake of the Newtown massacre. What do you think? Leave a comment below.

"Dr. Alvarez noted that the district has already taken some measures and provided three specific recommendations to the Board:

1. Creating advocacy through support of the Lower Hudson Council of School Superintendents' Call for Action. The Board approved a resolution requesting legislation reform with regard to a ban on assault weapons and increasing acess to mental health care services for schools.

2. Increasing security at the elementary school level. The Board approved a contract amendment increase with NJB Security Services, Inc. Security guards are already placed at the MS/HS and will now be added at the elementary level.

3. Hiring a consulting firm to work with the district in re-examining the current plan to see what can/should be done differently and to evaluate drills and work with staff. The Board approved a proposal for emergency management planning consulting services from Stonegate Associates."

Comments

[divman]

I smell MASSIVE school tax hikes coming that will be blamed on costs of 1-2-3 above but will actually pad alot of existing pockets . Look for PTO and other groups to scream loudly that YOU MUST PAY TO PROTECT THE KIDS . Look for those of us who vote NO to be rounded up , photographed and to be humiliated in the Journal News propaganda rag

[Robert Zahm]

#1, if done, will very likely lead to increased local mandates as NYS loves to add new services, but hates to pay for them. And local mandates will not solve a county/state/country-wide issue
#2, is a joke. A guard at the front door of each school will not stop an armed intruder. And at the HS/MS, there are too many doors that remain unlocked to allow students to pass between buildings for this to have any effect. I call this the "TSA" approach to security - it will make some people "feel" like something has been done, but will not have a material impact.
#3, is worthwhile doing if it shows the real holes / issues in our schools' security. However, if it does so, the report should probably not be made public and so how does the public get to assess the value of it? Catch 22

[PStephenLamont]

Comments on Recommendations:

1. Sounds weak;
2. Strongly approve; and
3. Sounds like a nice fee generator for another consulting company.