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LOCAL NEWS

RVS Board Purchases Visitor Tracking Computer Program

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – In their ongoing effort to improve security for Redbank Valley School District, the members of the School Board voted to purchase and install visitor tracking software for the three schools. This software, known as RAPTOR, provides instant access to sex offender databases, alerting security personnel immediately if an adult seeking entry to any of the schools is on any of the databases. As well as the sex offender lists, RAPTOR also can track custody alerts and adults who might be banned from entering the schools. The software also prints a badge for every visitor entering the schools. This allows faculty, student, and security to identify visitors on sight. Upon leaving, the visitor will be “scanned out”. This “in and out” tracking allows immediate, real time listing of all visitors in all the district schools. The vote to approve spending $5,748.00 for the program was 8 – 1 with Mr. Bain casting the “no” vote. Mr. Bain had previously expressed concern that the software could be by-passed, over ridden, and could present an invasion of privacy issue if mismanaged.

Raptor Scanner and Badge Maker (www.modbee.com)

Superintendent Dr. Mastillo had included three other recommendations from the Security Committee at last week’s work session. The other recommendations were to purchase Knox Boxes to store keys for First Responders, purchase of two-way radio system, and purchase of an automated 9-1-1 alarm and dialer system. Dr. Mastillo also removed an agenda item to approve purchasing Flood Insurance for the elementary school building. Dr. Mastillo said that he had gotten a second quote and the cost was significantly different from the quote provided by the Leech Agency at last week’s work session and that he needed to understand the difference before proceeding with a recommendation to purchase.

District Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Jim Jones reported that the maintenance team is staying busy with grounds work and some routine maintenance. He told the Board that the team had replaced some kitchen drains that and were working on replacing Board members asked if the water damage was from old roof leaks or current leaks. Mr. Jones explained that there were some of both and that he and his crew were repairing roof leaks as they find them. He also reported that the crew filled potholes in the driveways at the schools. Mr. Jones told the Directors that his new hires have become a good crew and are doing good work as individuals and as a team. Dr. Shaffer asked what the status of installing the new uni – vent units in the primary school. Mr. Jones said that the Johnson Control people were currently installing additional shut off valves in the heating system in preparation for installing the new units that are being built now.

Speaking about the primary school, Mr. Jones told the members of the Board that he had provided several bags of Sakrete for the volunteers who are rebuilding the fence at the Little League field that had been damaged by the flood. School Director Mr. Darren Bain express grave concern that a group of volunteers were rebuilding the fence, rather than the District’s employees, or a professional fence builder. Directors Dee Bell and Bill Reddinger took exception with Mr. Bain’s concern, suggesting that building fence is something that can be done by volunteers and that the Board, parents, and tax payers should appreciate the help. During the discussion, Dr. Mastillo told the Board that estimates to replace the fence had ranged from $12,000 to $14,000. Regardless of this, Mr. Bain maintained his position that since the fence was District property, the District should bear all the cost of repairing the fence. Director Mr. Reddinger finally asked Mr. Jones to look at the fence and report back to the Board as to whether the repair work is acceptable.

Mr. Jones finished his report by saying that the he had ordered a new key for the bleachers in the gym. He explained that the key had broken off in the mechanism that opens and closes the bleachers. Mr. Bain suggested that it might be more cost effective, and safer, to replace the current mechanisms with new ones. He suggested that such units only cost $900 per section of bleacher and that is an insignificant cost. Director Mr. Bell countered that argument by simply citing the $150 cost of 1 replacement with several thousand dollars in new purchasing. Mr. Bain also expressed concern about the condition of the chairs in the broadcast booth at the football field. He told the Board that the plastic cover on the chairs had deteriorated and that the Board should replace the chairs.

In other reports, Primary and Secondary School Principal Cheryl told the Board that the primary and intermediate schools had conducted fire, intruder, and storm drills during September. She said that the drills went well, but there were improvements to be made. Mrs. McCauley reported that the Benchmark Testing was completed and that instructional groups had been set up in order to enhance individual student instruction. She also thanked the Board for purchasing the rubber mulch for the elementary school playground. She told the Board that it was excellent and had already prevented an injury.

High school Principal Amy Rupp reported that 78 students taking Bio Chem AP Govt and AP English. Of these, 62 or 79%, are taking the classes for college credit. These classes are offered by Mt. Aloysius College. Besides these, there are several taking foreign language classes through Seaton Hall Greensburg on line. Mrs. Rupp said that several seniors would graduate with 14 college credits. She also told the Board that the Armstrong Indian Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission would give presentations to RV students yet in October.

In other business the Board renewed contracts with the several busing companies providing service to the District. By unanimous vote, the Board approved hiring Mr. David Hepler as Secondary Math teacher and several cafeteria substitutes and aides.

Dr. Mastillo wound up the public portion of the meeting by announcing  that the Redbank Valley Education Foundation is ready to start work. He invited anyone who is interested in the future of education to consider serving on the Board of the Foundation. There will be an informational meeting on November 4th.  Interested people should contact Dr. Mastillo for more information about the meeting.

Informational Meeting Set for Nov. 4 for persons interested in serving on the Foundation Board

The Board recessed into an Executive Session for labor discussions.

ABOUT:
Redbank Valley School District provides education services for the 165 square mile area of New Bethlehem and Hawthorn boroughs, and the townships of Mahoning, Madison, Porter, and Redbank of both Clarion and Armstrong counties.

MEETINGS:
The Redbank Valley School Board meetings the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the High School Library.

CONTACT:
For more information about the Redbank Valley School District, please call 814.275.2426 or visit RedbankValley.org/pg/biz/redbank-valley-school-district

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