Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Graduation Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Central Consolidated Schools outlines security and accessibility plans for May graduations
Summary
Safety coordinator described law-enforcement plans, added lighting, accessible transport and reserved handicap spaces for May 21–24 graduations; board members pressed for visible security after a recent attack at Newcomb.
Central Consolidated Schools’ safety coordinator, Devin Verholst, told the board work session the district has arranged enhanced security and accessibility measures for four upcoming high‑school graduations May 21–24.
Verholst said the district will provide extra lighting in parking areas, deploy lead safety advisers and contract security, and has requested overtime coverage from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office for the Kirtland site. The district will also coordinate with Navajo Nation Police for graduations in Newcomb and Shiprock and will make site visits with any visiting VIP security teams to arrange parking and secure areas.
Board members and staff said the measures respond to a recent assault at Newcomb and stressed the importance of a visible security presence and sufficient handicap access. “One of the big issues was also the number of spaces for the handicapped and the elderly,” a board member said during the meeting.
Verholst listed the scheduled events and times: Career Prep graduation, May 21 at 7 p.m.; Newcomb High School, May 22 at 7 p.m.; Kirtland High School, May 23 at 7 p.m.; and Shiprock High School, May 24 at 10 a.m. He said the district will provide site maps, designated handicap pick‑up/drop‑off areas and vehicles (including side‑by‑sides) to transport attendees with mobility needs from parking lots to ceremony entrances.
The presentation noted that the district will work with operations to reserve and clear accessible seating and to ensure principals and event staff notify seniors of their graduation status in advance. Verholst said he had taken board comments and would follow up with additional details.
Board members asked for confirmation that staffing, security contracts and accessible seating plans will be finalized before each ceremony; Verholst said he would coordinate with operations, school principals and law enforcement.
The discussion was informational; the board did not take formal action on the safety plans at the work session.
