Granby School Board Reviews Safety Recommendations

At a recent Granby Board of Education meeting members reviewed the results of an audit of the district’s safety and security procedures to determine how to make schools safer in light of the December 2012 Newtown shootings.

The board reviewed the district’s strengths as well as opportunities to make the district safer. Business Manager Harry Traver presented the recommendations.

A presentation posted on the district’s website said that though Granby schools have a safe environment where students are familiar and comfortable with adults, the district could make them safer by slowing down entry to buildings and making them more secure.

Specifically, the presentation recommends creating a more secure perimeter around school buildings and creating barriers that would slow down someone trying to enter them.

Staff has been trained on new emergency plans and monthly drills are being conducted, according to the presentation. Tabletop drills are being held and there are established school evacuation sites.

But, the presentation recommends more situational drills and full-scale simulations be conducted. Active shooter training with school staff and police was also recommended.

The cost could run more than $300,000 with the recommendations to create a keyless perimeter, replace doors and add security film, add 19 motion-activated cameras to be film the perimeter and add security doors between glass outerdoors and students.