RSU 06 administrators report drop in suspensions after SmartPass, door‑alarm and BUILD program changes at Bonney Eagle High School

At a regularly scheduled RSU 06/MSAD 06 School Board meeting, Bonney Eagle High School administrators presented updates on student safety and accountability, including the SmartPass electronic hall‑pass system, new door‑alarm coverage and upgraded cameras, and the BUILD program for students with attendance or engagement challenges.

Assistant Principal Selena Levitt described SmartPass as “just an electronic, hall pass system.” She said teachers and hall monitors use iPads to issue and end passes, the system enforces a preset maximum number of passes for locations (the school set many bathrooms to four passes to match stall counts), and staff can review pass data alongside video when investigating incidents. “It’s helped us immensely in the office just to be able to hold students accountable,” Levitt said.

Principal Finn and Dean of Students Lindsey Pendleton credited the combined measures — SmartPass, more widely deployed audible door alarms and higher‑resolution 360‑degree cameras — with reducing unaccounted students in halls. The presenters provided year‑to‑date discipline figures comparing the same point last year to this year: out‑of‑school suspensions decreased from 145 to 104; in‑school suspensions decreased from 258 to 124. The administrators said they pulled only suspension counts (not end‑of‑year totals) for the comparison.

The BUILD program, housed in the lower level of Frank Jewett, was highlighted as a targeted option for students who struggle to access education full time at the high school. Administrators said BUILD students participated in community service, work study, enrichment with the learning center (TLC) and mental‑health check‑ins. BUILD students had earned a combined 36 credits during the first half of the school year, compared with 17 combined credits for the same group at the same point last year, presenters said.

Board members asked operational and enforcement questions. Director Creutz asked whether teachers on hall duty carry iPads while monitoring corridors; presenters confirmed staff use iPads (referred to several times as iPads or kiosks) and that rovers/hall sweeps are expected to carry devices or otherwise check passes. Creutz and other board members raised the common limitation that a student can forget to end a pass or that a classroom teacher who does not follow up can allow long absences; presenters said staff are working to improve timely pass closure and teacher follow‑up.

Director Moses asked about door coverage; presenters said nearly all major and secondary doors are alarmed and that an audible alarm sounds if a door is opened. The presenters noted a small number of less‑used doors (for example, near gym or shop areas) were added over a February break and the district is approaching full coverage.

Student board members and several teachers who spoke during the meeting described reduced crowding in bathrooms between classes and more teacher follow‑up this semester, while noting the system does add steps for students and staff. Administrators said SmartPass settings also allow exceptions, such as walk‑break passes enabled only for students whose IEPs authorize them.

The board thanked the team for the presentation and invited follow‑up questions; administrators asked the board to direct any requests for additional data to the superintendent or business manager prior to upcoming budget discussions.

Ending

Administrators said SmartPass and the facility security upgrades are part of a layered approach; the BUILD program remains an in‑district option intended to keep students engaged. The board did not take any formal action on these items at the meeting but will receive related budget and program updates during scheduled finance and facilities and full‑board budget sessions in April and May.