The Putnam County Board of Education gave a safety protocol update at its board meeting on Monday.
Assistant Superintendent Derick Austin spoke about plans for possible safety protocols that may or may not be implemented. The first discussion was about the return of the Watchdog group, which involves volunteers who are screened, background checked and trained to assist with patrolling the perimeter of the schools. Their contact with students would be minimal and they would primarily be on the properties to help with notifying schools of any perceived danger.
“Whoever the watchers may be, we will have protocols in place that they will follow for different situations,” said Austin. “We are not asking them to arrest or confront anybody, but rather if they see something to notify us so the schools can put their protocols in place.”
Austin also stated there will be an increase in the number of security cameras in use, with upgrades to current security cameras across the schools. Discussion about this procedure has already started with the principals.
“We are only upgrading and increasing where necessary,” Austin emphasized.
“We have purchased two FLOCK cameras in conjunction with the sheriff’s department for the high school campus. They will be able to capture license plates that are coming on or off the campus.”
Each of the principals also spoke about their individual safety protocols at the moment and what they are working on. The majority of schools have already put a focus on training staff and securing perimeter doors. Each of the schools will continue to improve safety measures and according to both Austin and Putnam County School Board Superintendent Eric Arena, there are more safety protocols and upgrades to discuss for the future.
“These protocols being hardened for the safety of students and staff may cause some inconvenience,” acknowledged Arena. “However, we are prioritizing the safety of everyone within the school system and having our protocols and procedures up to date.”
After the safety update, the board unanimously approved several requests on the action agenda, including: the new price for the additional four bus purchases, a fuel-island canopy for the transportation department, flooring and fixtures for Putnam County High School’s baseball/softball building, and this month’s personnel list.
The meeting closed with the board announcing there will be a community tax meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Little Theater at Putnam County Middle School. A representative from the board and potentially the county appraiser will be there to help answer questions.