Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The grant money would go toward surveillance and more secure doors.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- School officials are hoping a federal grant will help improve security at district schools.
The school board Tuesday approved submission of a "Secure Our Schools" federal grant application. The application will be submitted as a partnership with the police department.
The application deadline is June 30.
Tom Ventresco, school spokesman, said the grant would be used to improve video surveillance in seven of the district's eight schools. The eighth, the new middle school, he said, will already be equipped with upgraded surveillance equipment upon its completion.
According to Ventresco, all seven buildings would likely receive additional cameras to monitor halls and entrances to buildings.
Ventresco said the grant would also go toward better securing of entranceways to all school buildings. He said the district would add secure doors that would require individuals to be buzzed in for access, and would move toward identification badges and swipe cards for students and employees.
"We have been looking for something like this since December," he said. "I think we will get it."
Ventresco said the district will apply for about $130,000. The school board will be required to come up with an amount equal to half of whatever grant amount the federal government might approve.
New facility
In other business, the board also unanimously approved hiring MS Consultants of Youngstown for design and engineering services on the district's new transportation facility. Board members said there will be focus groups to help determine what design is most suitable for the facility.
MS Consultants, board members said, will also assist in selecting a site for the new building.
The board also voted to enter into an agreement with township trustees for the use of 911 Memorial Park across the street from the new middle school on Raccoon Road. The district will pay $1 per year for the use of the park.
Sixth through eighth-grade students will use the park for softball and recess.
jgoodwin@vindy.com