[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6341836,"mediaKeyId","2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d","parentId",2256327,"title","Security director reports decline in altercations, highlights training and threat assessment work","audioSeconds",162,"startMs",4708000,"endMs",4870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d&start=4708&end=4870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d/thumbnail_4708000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6341836/New-York/Security-director-reports-decline-in-altercations-highlights-training-and-threat-assessment-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341836-1a10a2c7ea68be94623a3a1a0580cd66/orig.mp4?Expires=1775524545&Signature=mjzcdFktXNsz2oYEMfedONOV6PVE~9n137jGnlUEkPdkitui5os8dcqWmlS~a8TznxUv4fbhA1uEzZ8SHzxsQtbR9bnjWihLFQUftxcg3AlKQzcPdC6CZU7Yq-3zfecwX2HizTSySdStj~QVmV9xHE02uNdoNH~3Uko1wAsTr~UkV3JwtbJjxOg9vyiNX8onq7jwXqAcZMTNQEGr81Tl2tLAi-GKHW9Vkqfn5Lz6Yy8g4j5SnLuNtbDwXnJK3ctwtacOawhdJ41QE7X7InJTEzP-4WEw~CFppkbr-Ed9V6GOMy3z9m9Fmr5I-o4v3fOzO7LHGh5fWHIBOfwGrCscdQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-11T08:15:15.573Z","article","Steven Merrigan, Valley Central’s director of security, told the board he is seeing substantial decreases in reported physical altercations and other incidents across district buildings.

Merrigan presented three‑year trends and said physical altercations at the middle school were down about 84% and high‑school fiscal altercations decreased by approximately 58% compared with the previous period. He credited a layered approach that includes unarmed security staff, hall monitors, school safety officers (SROs), threat assessment teams, regular drills and daily coordination with the technology department.

Merrigan described the district’s three‑tier security model, threat assessment teams in every school, regular training for outside coaches and staff, and close cooperation with law enforcement partners. He said many incidents are prevented or resolved earlier because of the increased presence and processes now in place.

The director also highlighted investments in visitor screening, a single controlled entry, staff training, and ongoing site assessments to confirm doors remain secure. He told the board that the security program will continue to prioritize training and evaluate how technology can further support safety goals.

Board members asked about after‑school activities and training for outside coaches; Merrigan said the district provides regular training and had a specific session scheduled for outside coaches the following evening.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Meeting 2/10/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Steven Merrigan, the district’s director of security, told the board that incident reports and physical altercations have declined across buildings and described daily collaboration with technology, threat assessment teams, drills and law enforcement partners.","taxTitle","VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY), School Districts, New York","taxId",60078,"location","New York","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6341839,"Technology director outlines Chromebook repair plan and aims to increase loaner devices by 25%",547,3989000,4536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d&start=3989&end=4536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d/thumbnail_3989000.jpg","/articles/6341839/New-York/Technology-director-outlines-Chromebook-repair-plan-and-aims-to-increase-loaner-devices-by-25","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341839-14bbc4bb7aa3ad1bc63a3be37a0226f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775524545&Signature=ib2GnbQLUXS8G3lzNhoKF5IfymgQflxVQuHRruO8oCWz2y9DA33pKr6JITAM3UhSp~zQXsFEai4XntFHxvlCpL0fv1SWQW9CuwiOMpnOPWKZ0ZsepBqB-5Mnmmunbt3Fi2uNO7ZKtCwI8riADUTg8t~l9kjzx-~RoGGiC-QOCY73pQmo5e1V7OKuyqIg2KYiJmrz9YpeBXEmjrkWF7ePP8oWYKyNi6xNDIiHD0eTRxKJKvMjvxhCmM3OfOt2OTIZA1kFLOiGgFoLKp9SIcPwYtvdMx9X0KHbmJV~UIUWxoFaPC9jDAcjrDoApSmvZHraY~XGf5RLv4puyBvlmFYlhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The district’s Director of Technology briefed the board on department staffing, responsibilities and an initiative to increase the pool of loaner Chromebooks for students.

The director described a team that combines a department secretary, a network security analyst, two network specialists, four computer technicians and a part‑time instructional technology specialist (a BOCES employee). The department manages the one‑to‑one Chromebook program, classroom technology, network security, heating and bell systems tied to the infrastructure, visitor greeter systems and Internet filtration required under state law.

The director told the board the district operates a three‑cohort refresh program (new devices at grades 1, 5 and 9) and refurbishes returned devices for loaner inventory. He said the middle and high schools generate the largest number of damaged devices and that staff time is devoted to triaging and repairing Chromebooks.

To reduce student downtime, the technology director set a goal to increase the number of Chromebooks available to students by 25% before May and described reallocation of staff time and product choices to reduce breakage. He said loaner inventories vary by building but estimated mid‑year loaner pools of roughly 50 devices at elementary buildings and up to 100 at the middle and high school levels.

On device lifespan, the director said a Chromebook handled properly can last about four to five years but in practice many return damaged. He also described coordination with the curriculum office on software purchasing, privacy agreements and teacher support for instructional technology including ethical training for classroom AI use.

Board members asked about spare device counts and the director said building loaner levels change during the school year but the district targets a larger pool and is training staff to manage audiovisual equipment, scoreboards and live streaming needs.","The district technology director described staffing, responsibilities and a strategy to increase available Chromebooks by 25% before May, citing heavy repair demand and a multi‑cohort refresh program.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6341844,"District updates: 2024 capital project approved; tennis courts delayed, water leak triggers asbestos remediation",0,2206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d&start=2206&end=2206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d/thumbnail_2206000.jpg","/articles/6341844/New-York/District-updates-2024-capital-project-approved-tennis-courts-delayed-water-leak-triggers-asbestos-remediation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341844-d1dc8596b592f2191f502c9a39a1ccb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775524545&Signature=W6w4MbJe93gP9MFHNPNKFip7tnnVPxP6UxT2xvRr~ZUIqFVZ-DRItUE9xWHxIEpeM2SoIiiRVX3DCGlJWhJZLRuritRplM93CuaKNIvrnig1ScNCsBe9YZw8bugbA4xuKhkzHRkTRrLprG7WZObEty26ny1vE4EqOoqegJ6bjv2rINCcvuLfWainsuB920DivhrSeT5DEDmEs6sHh2VoBnjb6lFVT8FD8oZNLxPqphYt7kw4ml1DUPuz4dBgVGC0FG2~BGuy6HYCFiXlpMY1oCIrqL63ycI7-oyZds2tX5x7vxdw294I8Vrh-2-M9g3rjwTJoIXiihwnqbQ~WGNCFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Valley Central administrators told the board that the district’s 2024 capital project has received required approval and the procurement process is moving forward, but several facility projects face weather and remediation issues.

The assistant superintendent for business reported that the 2024 capital project — the package of building repairs and infrastructure work the board previously planned — has been fully approved and the district is preparing bid documents. The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has approved use of an alternative slate roofing material and the bids will include both the alternative and an alternate price to replace with original slate so the board can decide at award.

Construction of the high‑school tennis courts is on hold for winter weather and will resume when temperatures permit; Pine Bush School District has offered temporary use of its tennis facilities while Valley Central’s courts are out of service.

The assistant superintendent also reported a small water leak in a middle‑school closet originated from a hot‑water radiator. The 10‑by‑12 closet’s carpet tile overlies suspected asbestos‑containing floor tile. The district stated the repair will be a minor abatement project and the insurance carrier is managing the remediation work.

Administrators also told the board that the town of Montgomery will be contacted about potential support for an additional traffic signal at the Berea location, where morning traffic frequently backs up during peak times. The assistant superintendent said a new traffic signal would require town board cooperation before the district could pursue the project.

Finally, the assistant superintendent noted that Pine Bush has provided temporary athletic facility access and that the town ambulance provider has begun charging standby fees for events such as football games and graduation; staff will return to the board with cost and budget impact details.

Separately, the district reviewed portable cooling options. The assistant superintendent explained packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs) are not well suited to typical classroom ventilation and code requirements; portable units and other short‑term mitigation options were discussed as interim measures while longer‑term cooling plans are developed.","Central Office reported SED approval for the 2024 capital project and SHPO concurrence on an alternative roof material; tennis court demolition paused for winter, Pine Bush facilities will be used; a small hot‑water radiator leak exposed asbestos‑containing floor tile at the middle school and will be handled through insurance.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6341850,"Votes at a glance: Board approves policies, calendar, CSR contract and BOCES nominees",7585,915000,8500000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d&start=915&end=8500","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d/thumbnail_915000.jpg","/articles/6341850/New-York/Votes-at-a-glance-Board-approves-policies-calendar-CSR-contract-and-BOCES-nominees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341850-7db1ef668d3a8d8e056ea68620918430/orig.mp4?Expires=1775524545&Signature=FKR91vkwjVTRLC4SwbQwcUFHSH1yb~t-ANCsjKktk1toSwidy0mTf24cZNrZ~pG4qhNAAeKrLI1JMOYpuPa3Wa-Sd2c2ztjPCsUNWor2xWVAGTHUPPvSuwCKVVpy3qyIJaCdYgIk25FKbOKpJmqZoVhna8mIwuMoLF9I-rFP1Q8~hAGIegzNNwG1XX7mrHc~62OdTm1Ob4YIRzY5DvmKS2pBi2t~l-zQMDCJeTTcM8zjrZmoN3iH7Wn1sJ7VrnmW~puN9K6M27pcWzSYoOnzl3iT9ff4Ez2d6zrYjjpyO59R9ja~UnpOD3ZwRLFj5rs0SB1YOcvsDb98JxVyeP2~Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Valley Central Board of Education on Monday approved a set of routine and substantive items, including the adoption of three policies, the 2025–26 student calendar, a contract proposal and nominations to the Orange‑Ulster BOCES board.

The board approved policy 4321.3 (Independent Educational Evaluation), regulation 4321.3 R, and policy 8130 (School Safety Plans and Teams) by voice vote; the clerk recorded the outcome as unanimous.

The board also adopted the 2025–26 student calendar and approved a proposal with CSR. The board nominated Liam Boss, David Eaton and Edwin Estrada as candidates for the Orange‑Ulster BOCES board.

Earlier in the meeting the consent agenda was approved on a voice vote with a unanimous tally.

These votes were made during the open business portion of the meeting; no roll‑call dissent or recorded no‑votes were reported in the on‑record motions that were presented to the board during the session.

The board returned to executive session twice during the meeting for negotiations and personnel matters and announced no public action would be taken after the final executive session.","At its Feb. 10 meeting the Valley Central Board of Education adopted three policies, approved the 2025–26 student calendar, approved a proposal with CSR, and nominated three Orange‑Ulster BOCES board candidates; most motions passed unanimously.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6341855,"Student representatives begin yearlong pilot to inform Valley Central cell phone procedures",1507,123000,1630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d&start=123&end=1630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2256327-a690853c060dfd2ccc0f9645aad6a31d/thumbnail_123000.jpg","/articles/6341855/New-York/Student-representatives-begin-yearlong-pilot-to-inform-Valley-Central-cell-phone-procedures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6341855-dcdeed5e8d1c3a9e5a2ffef1c69831fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775524545&Signature=nO5OwnwuEuALxzAMTRJC7eP5RyXUf5z~rY3-OLg0nThleSKgIrEntQUSnwbDXTLFC0Z1lpEw2fE3Sj4wK~dzYIZuFudaetKXUD9J-cVAjJNfzKXhdeFzQRUAKO4LhVAipISrpWGg9VYHh3kcfXad3JZddL9LLbeo68uar858cGiYneN6x-cDetBp-nRmnemTb0wQUCsl0d31m55h08zfIPPwkT-ZaAamhqfk9PRdfN83rLaxzz4NbRij2gyaa9-tZPuVd7UWSYDKb1c8zqtajGcsDlDs5KLuM86fhdNU4ON-pK8z5jBH36QD-SmI3SWuz4Nk1k~DZN9NsuBlYdfzcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student representatives presented a yearlong project on Monday to gather student input and recommend changes to Valley Central School District cell phone procedures.

The student representatives said the project began in November, moved to research stages in December and January, and will include pilot classrooms, surveys and interviews through April with a final recommendation to the board in May.

The board heard that the pilot will run four weeks in volunteer classrooms and use five short surveys for participating students, plus anonymous open-ended interviews and classroom observations. The students said they will analyze local and national district policies, consider emergency communication protocols for parents, and research potential costs of restriction methods.

The presenters described a plan to collect anonymous data from roughly eight volunteer classes chosen to ensure diversity of grade level and student experience, and to analyze the results alongside a literature review and visits to other districts.

The presentation emphasized centering student voice in policy development. A fourth‑grade teacher, Angelica Morales, introduced the students and explained the district and state attention to cell phone policy shaped the project. The student representatives asked the board to expect a formal recommendation in May based on the collected evidence.

Board members did not take action on the project itself at the meeting; the presentation was informational and the pilot work will continue under the students’ timeline.","Student representatives told the Board of Education they will lead a November–May research project of pilot classrooms, surveys and interviews to gather student views and make a recommendation on school cell phone procedures in May.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Security director reports decline in altercations, highlights training and threat assessment work

Technology director outlines Chromebook repair plan and aims to increase loaner devices by 25%

District updates: 2024 capital project approved; tennis courts delayed, water leak triggers asbestos remediation

Votes at a glance: Board approves policies, calendar, CSR contract and BOCES nominees

Student representatives begin yearlong pilot to inform Valley Central cell phone procedures