CHATHAM, NJ – Live from the high school Library-Media Center, it was the School District of the Chathams Board of Education meeting. On Monday, the school board meeting was moved from the township municipal building so the meeting could be livestreamed on the Internet in real time and Superintendent Michael LaSusa requested patience as they worked out the technical glitches over the course of the next few meetings.
"I know I want a little more natural light on my face," LaSusa said. "But we are in capable hands with the PULSE crew."
LaSusa's inaugural report of the year touched upon the start of the school year and addressed some transportation difficulties that he attributed to the resignation of two key personnel members.
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"That made for some disruption in the department and a difficult first week of school," LaSusa said.
LaSusa said an "all hands on deck" response from the central office was crucial in getting things back on track.
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"We're still dealing with some residual issues but we're working through them," LaSusa said.
LaSusa also noted that there were broken air-conditioners the first week of school that have been repaired or replaced. Business Administrator Peter Daquila said that every classroom has window air-conditioners or central air but window units are not effective during extreme heat.
Another hot topic of conversation was whether the district should add Class III officers to the schools. Class III officers carry guns and report to local police chiefs although they work full-time in the schools. This would be a change from the school resource officers currently employed, who are not armed.
On Monday, Oct. 1 the regular board meeting will host Chatham Township Police Chief Thomas Miller and Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian Gibbons to discuss school security.
"Can we make an effort to get that message out as much as we can," said Board Member Michelle Clark. "So as many people who wish to attend can come to that meeting to hear what the recommendations are?"
The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 in the Chatham High School Library.
(Photo Courtesy of YouTube)
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