Greenwich RTM Approves Funds For Security Enhancements At Town Schools

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Public Schools District can now spend $811,835 to increase school security hardware and police presence at schools around town this year following the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting's approval on Monday night.

But the district will have to come up with a solution to implement new campus safety monitors at Greenwich's 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and at Windrose after the Board of Estimate deferred a vote on funding for the monitors earlier on Monday night.

The Board of Education originally requested $1.4 million for safety improvements in late August.

Greenwich Public Schools worked with the Greenwich Police Department and Chief James Heavey over the summer to address safety and security following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, this past May.

The district will now use $400,835 to add additional security cameras at school buildings, and to electrify entrances for card readers, lock foyers, and install additional door hardware.

Additionally, $411,000 will be used to mobilize extra Greenwich police patrol cars to the east, central and western parts of town.

The RTM voted 172 in favor, with six opposed and two abstentions on that funding.

School officials requested $619,820 for 15 campus safety monitors, and a Request For Proposal was issued seeking bidders.

Two companies responded, and the most competitive bidder, Arrow Security, was selected after a review.

According to documents associated with Monday's RTM agenda, Arrow Security is based on Long Island, N.Y., with a regional office based in North Haven, CT. The company currently works with 21 different education partners across New York and New Jersey.

But concerns were raised about outsourcing security for the district and the impact it would have on the town's contract with Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA).

Shortly before the RTM meeting began on Monday, the BET in its regularly scheduled meeting, voted nine in favor, three opposed, to defer the approval of funds until its Oct. 17 meeting, or earlier during a special meeting.

The deferral will give school officials time to speak with LIUNA and come up with a revised plan that includes either "outside resources or internal resources," explained BET member Karen Fassuliotis during the RTM meeting.

The BET unanimously approved the security camera and hardware enhancements, and increased police patrol.

During the RTM meeting, Education Committee Vice Chair Steven Rubin said everyone is in agreement on added security, but the committee had a few concerns, namely about outsourcing the work.

The RTM Education Committee met recently with Michael Mason, Greenwich's lead labor negotiator, in preparation for Monday's meeting.

"He (Mason) explained that the request to outsource the security is in violation of the collective bargaining agreement with LIUNA Union local 136. The union has stated that the hiring of the independent security monitors is inappropriate and a breach of contract," Rubin said. "Mr. Mason felt we had a high risk factor there, and the union would likely win if this proceeded to court."

There wasn't any debate between RTM members.