Menzo, board meet on security

As published in the Record Journal Tuesday January 8, 2013

By Eric Heredia
Record-Journal staff
eheredia@record-journal.com
(203) 317-2243
Twitter: @EHerediaRJ

WALLINGFORD — The Board of Education met behind closed doors in executive session with School Superintendent Salvatore Menzo Monday night at Sheehan High School to discuss school security, a hot topic in the wake of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown last month.

Before executive session, the board addressed concerns about security at basketball games and other after-hours activities on school grounds. Chet Miller asked if buzzer systems will be used after hours. Menzo said they will not.

“We try to get people to understand we can’t lock everything 24/7. It’s impossible,” he said, adding that schools have to maintain a balance of security and keeping the feeling of a community center where kids can feel safe. He said the schools have a good working relationship with the Parks and Recreation Department and the YMCA, which sometimes use schools for after hours activities. Board member Roxane McKay suggested having coaches sign something stating that they are responsible for making sure the area of a school building is secure before leaving for the night.

“Just to make sure that consistently that message is getting sent to our coaches,” she said.

Board member Christine Mansfield added that “it’s a very loose network” of personnel in school buildings after hours. “The last man standing is running out the door,” she said, adding that she’s heard complaints about litter being left in gyms after a basketball games.

Board member Michael Votto said having the coaches liable may deter them from pursuing the position, and McKay said she doesn’t want to deter them.

Menzo said the issue of security after hours could be resolved if the district hires personnel.

“That’s the only way to solve it,” he said.

He is looking into where they can install fire doors without violating the town’s building code, enabling certain areas to be blocked off after hours.

Principals have performed a security audit of buildings and sent concerns about building safety to maintenance, the information technology department and Menzo. During holiday break, the superintendent met with the police chief, fire chief, principals and central office staff to update school security and keep everyone abreast of ideas for enhancing safety.

On Dec. 28, he invited parents with law enforcement expertise to suggest security measures. Those suggestions were discussed in executive session Monday.

Menzo said maintenance is in the process of installing buzzer systems at Sheehan and Lyman Hall high schools, the only schools in town without them. Visitors will have to clearly state their name, purpose and show a photo ID to the security camera before being buzzed into the building.

Menzo said schools will be issuing proximity cards including photo identification to staff members. On the back of the cards will be security tips teachers can follow in case of a fire or shooter situation.

On Monday there was a state symposium on school security at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville attended by superintendents statewide, including Menzo, as well as McKay, Mayor William Dickinson Jr., Police Chief Douglas Dortenzio, and representatives of the Fire Department.

It focused on enhancing building security and policy changes necessary to improve school safety. It included resources for talking with parents and covered drills and exercise, vulnerability assessments and integrating planning for special-needs students.

“It is a little overwhelming,” Menzo said. “There is a lot to be considered.”

He has asked parents to call before coming to a school.

“We want these things to continue two months from now, two years from now. They can’t just lapse,” he said. “The challenge is trying to make sure people follow procedures.”