Hazel, Redwood to Get Security Officers

Security officers were approved for both Hazel and Redwood Elementary Schools to address concerns over early morning and after-school traffic.

"The two places have safety issues with picking up and dropping off students," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Anthony Cavanna said Monday night. "Since the town has cut back on the assistance they gave us, these two schools have expressed concern."

The board of education passed the measure unanimously Monday.

Each security guard will work one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon for $25 an hour.

Cavanna said the current crossing guards stationed at the schools can't see every child that crosses the street because of the school's traffic configuration. He said the security guards will help see children walking between cars and ensure the safety of all students.

The board also approved an additional weight room monitor for the high school. The appointment passed 4-1, with board member Sandra Mordecai dissenting.

"I didn't feel it was necessary for another weight room monitor," Mordecai said. "With the number of staff we have at the high school, we can have someone that can do it."

Board member Paul Petigrow said the high school implemented new procedures in the weight room that requires students to check in and out. As such, additional supervision is needed — one to check in students and one inside the weight room, he said.

"A lot of kids use the facility in the spring," Petigrow said. "This makes sense, we should give this a shot."