08/07/13 The Plymouth School Board held a public hearing on Tuesday night, prior to the regular Board session, concerning the consideration of an approximately $1,425,000 bond. The bond monies will be used for a variety of safety and security needs as identified by a safety audit done earlier this year and other concerns that James Phillips, director of safety and security for the Plymouth Schools, has identified since his hire last month.
Phillips reviewed the immediate needs and a priority list with the Board and the audience members.
Under immediate needs, Phillips said there is a need for an Angel Trax Camera system, Z pass (K-6) students), and a bus check-mate system. He explained that the bus check-mate system makes it mandatory for bus drivers to go to the back of the bus after every run to make sure children have all exited the bus. “This is important since we now park the busses at Weirs every night.” The reader card system will allow both the bus drivers and the transportation department to know when a child enters the bus and when he/she leaves the bus. Phillips said when a child leaves the bus; the pass will automatically log them off. He said there is an active video component with the system that can be pulled up immediately to verify information. “If a child gets on the wrong bus, audio alarms will go off. Phillips said. The transportation needs were proposed at a cost of $92,500.
An advanced visitor management/physical security system, Raptor Visitor ID system, when installed will make it a requirement for all visitors entering the building to produce a government issued identification. Phillips said the ID would be put into an active data base system to check for any criminal offenses against children and court protection orders. The system will then issue an ID badge that will deteriorate after a period of six hours. Phillips explained that the badge could not be used for a second day. That system could cost as much as $35,000.
A CCTV system, closed circuit TV, from Covenant Security/Unlimited Technology, Inc. is proposed at $1,060,900. The system is Internet based and can be read on an iPad or desktop computer, according to Philips. It has the capabilities of monitor parking lots and doors as well as other areas.
Priority needs included: ID card program ($8,000); lighting upgrades ($10,000); 3M window film ($10,000), security/safety operation supplies ($70,000), fencing upgrades ($40,000); and safety and safe school signage ($10,000).
Phillips said there are areas where there is no clear definition between public and school properties, such as the trail ways by Riverside Intermediate School. Lighting upgrades would be installed around buildings as opposed to the present light poles.
The Board approved the bond sale and the project on a vote of 3-0-1. Larry Holloway was absent from the meeting and Todd Samuelsson abstained due to his affiliation with Umbaugh and Associates.
Carol Anders Correspondent, will appear on the What’s Your Opinion Show at 9:05 Wednesday to discuss the meeting.
