Madison Schools Superintendent Talks School Security

Madison Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice said the request for $472,000 for school security upgrades will help reduce security threats to the district.

“The BOE adopted a confidential safety security plan during the spring of 2013. This comprehensive plan was developed through consultation with specialists in the Madison Police Department. The plan addresses a wide range of safety and security threats to the district. The primary principles of the plan are to slow down any threats to our schools, and to speed up emergency responses.

Given that the state grant money was made available, the district sought to capitalize on the reimbursement opportunity and complete these two projects. Increased surveillance and phone systems, particularly in older facilities, will support the guiding principles of the safety and security plan in slowing down threats and speeding up emergency responses. The Board of Education is appreciative of the work of the Boards of Finance and Selectmen in entertaining the request and voting to move the request forward,” Scarice told Madison Patch.

Here is some background about the school security funding request:

The Source’s Jack Kramer has some important details about the planned $472,000 security upgrade for the Madison Public Schools.

Kramer writes that town officials are hoping that $141,000 or 30 percent of the total cost would be reimbursed by the state of Connecticut.

Additionally, in order for the town to get state reimbursement the project has to completed by June 1, so the clock is ticking on the project.

Read the full Source story here.

Here is some background about the funds and what work would be done to improve school security.

Madison officials are asking residents in January to vote on whether to spend $472,000 to support school security initiatives, which includes enhancing school security cameras in the schools.

According to the town’s website:

The Legal voters of the Town of Madison are hereby warned and notified that a Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Polson School Auditorium for the following purpose:

To consider and take action on Special Appropriation request of $472,000 from the Board of Education to support school security initiatives.