NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (RVO) by John Gerow – The Redbank Valley School Board’s March 27 work session was, once again, dominated by security issues facing the district in light of the recent school shootings across the country.

District Maintenance Supervisor reported to the Directors that he is working to include many of the security ideas floated already into the 5 year building maintenance plan.  Among the ideas currently being worked into the plan are: alarms on all of the doors on all three schools, rebuilt entrances to prohibit people from entering directly into the buildings, security screens on outside door glass, as well as an expanded security camera system,   Superintendent Mike Drzewiecki said that he was planning on meeting with two retired State Troopers who are interested in offering security personnel to schools.

During the considerable discussion Board Member Dee Bell questioned if leaving outside doors unlocked during after school activities was in keeping with, what he sees as a sense of urgency to harden the buildings against violent assaults.  It does not seem that there is any protocol or policy regarding locked doors for after school sports and activities.  Board President Chad Shaffer suggested that the District develop a policy and protocols for after hours activities and security.

New member Darren Bain expressed his frustration that there was not more information already available on the costs involved with some of the basic security ideas, such as door alarms, camera system, and the safety screens for the outside doors.  He stated that he thought the Board should have quotes on these things after a month of discussing them.  Director Bill Reddinger suggested that the Board prioritize and move forward with door alarms and expanding the security camera system.  Superintendent Drzewiecki asked that the safety/security screens be included in the initial security upgrade.

The three security items will be added to Monday night’s meeting agenda as separate motions, so that work can begin as soon as approved.  Development of secure entrances will have to wait until engineering and design work can be completed.

Board Member Ann Kopnitsky said that while she is totally on board with hardening the buildings, she thinks that it is just as critical for the district to address the cause of school violence as well as trying to stop violence once it begins.   Mrs. Kopnitsky said that the Student Assistance Program, which observes and attempts to intervene with at risk students.  She suggested that the District needs to try o educate parents and students about the help that is available through the schools.  It is her contention that teachers and administrators may be the best source of prevention for violence among students.

Mr. John Sayers reported that there are 5 or 6 companies that will be bidding to repair and restore the track and that he hopes the restoration can be done soon.

Director Carrie Adams commended the Administration for the work that they have done on the 5 year facility plan.  She asked in the repair order process that the Board requested last month had been developed yet.  John Sayers said that it is being developed and that it track when a repair is requested and when it is completed for tracking and accountability.  President Chad Shaffer asked that the Facilities Committee continue to develop the 5 year plan.  It was noted that most of the maintenance and repairs currently identified are included in the 2018 -2019 budget.

The last item of the public meeting concerned the Special Education program in the District. Redbank has contracted for a Special Education Supervisor, three days a week.  The Superintendent reported that the new Supervisor is in place and that he has advertised for Special Ed Assistants for the elementary and middle schools. Mr. Drzewiecki told the board that he would like to direct hire this position, full time.  Board members questioned his thinking as the current part time contract person has not yet complete a single 3 day work week.  Mrs. Kopnitsky said, “She has been contracted for 3 days a week, but she hasn’t been here for 3 days in a row yet.”  Drzewiecki also told the Board that he was going to be interviewing for a part time school psychologist.  These new hire requests come as the District may be facing draconian cuts in expenses for fiscal year 2018-2019.

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