SPS Loses Out on 'Generous' Donation for Security Upgrades

Sudbury Public Schools missed out on upgrading its security for free after timing issues prevented an anonymous donation from being used, Superintendent Anne Wilson said during Wednesday's school committee meeting.

"We did have an offer of a donation to supply the materials for the elementary schools," Wilson said. "Unfortunately, the time-line for the donation did not meet the time-line for the installation."

In a taping of the meeting provided by SudburyTV, Wilson eluded the timing issue had to do with a legally required permit process, which SPS has since completed.

"There are times when things don’t line up, as was the case here," she said.

To help pay for the upgrades, line items to the budget will now be reduced. Bids came in lower than expected, but the bill to install the equipment will cost about $53,000.

"The wiring is in process for the buzzers and monitors," Wilson said. "Hopefully it will completed by end of the month or early next month."

So far SPS has received the template for the ID badges that will be issued to fulltime staff, substitute teachers and visitors. SPS is purchasing the equipment to help cut costs.

"We are producing the badges ourselves," Wilson said. "We'll be able to produce the badges quickly when we have new hires."

The badges will be color-coded to easily ID everyone in the schools. Visitor badges will also have numbers to keep track of who is in the buildings. 

"We're looking forward to getting that going as soon as possible," Wilson said.

In other news from Wednesday's meeting, finances were brought up by resident Bob Stein, who said he was concerned about a shortfall in regards to the METCO program.

"What is the average cost currently to educate a student at SPS?" Stein asked.

"I don't know off the top of my head," Committee Chair Rich Robison said.

Stein answered back that is was $12,000 and was worried about a shortfall of about $7,000 if the METCO cost per student was $5,000.

"Is this reflected in the budget?" Stein asked.

Vice Chair Lisa Gutch said SPS receives Ch. 70 funds for each student.

"The Ch. 70 grant is separate from the METCO grant," Robison said. "The METCO grant provides additional staff, transportation and additional expenses."

He also said it is not intended to reimburse per pupil.