Board backs fencing, digital check-in and restores 11 campus monitors as part of safety plan

The East Side Union High School District board voted Tuesday to authorize preliminary site fencing plans, digital visitor check'in systems and the targeted use of bond funds to improve campus perimeters and signage. The board also unanimously rescinded a prior reduction in force to restore 11 campus monitor positions.

Why it matters: District leaders said changes are intended to create tighter single points of entry during the school day, improve signage (in English, Spanish and Vietnamese) and reduce uncontrolled ingress without creating unsafe pinch points at student arrival and dismissal. Staff said the intent is to enable site personnel to focus on students and shorten response times for visitors seeking assistance.

Glenn Vanderzee, the superintendent, described prior site work at James Lick and Independence high schools as models for preliminary fencing and said the district will phase projects across campuses in order of priority. The board authorized using bond and discretionary funds as needed to complete fencing, signage and a digital check'in system that generates visitor badges and notifies staff of expected visitors.

The board also approved a resolution to rescind a previous layoff and reinstate 11 campus monitor full'time equivalent positions; the LCAP and safety presentations identified campus monitors as a needed support. Trustees said the restoration was a priority and asked staff to ensure the positions are included in upcoming interim reports and the budget review.

Staff emphasized the work would be staged: signage and technology rollouts are expected to start in the fall, while full perimeter fencing depends on contractor availability and a multi'year schedule. The superintendent said the district will continue collaboration with the San Jose Police Department and community partners for non'punitive, preventative supports such as social workers and afterschool partners.

Actions taken: The board authorized bond capital project planning and the use of capital funds for fencing projects, approved digital check'in rollouts, and voted to rescind the previously approved reduction in force for 11 campus monitor positions. Separate items approving specific contracts and bid requests were moved on consent or other agenda items.

Context: The items follow a district safety review and prior site visits and reflect actions taken at several individual campuses. Trustees stressed the need for plans that allow evacuation and emergency access while controlling daily visitor flow.

Next steps: Staff will present site'specific fencing plans and timelines to the board when contractors and scopes are finalized; the district will post signage and implement a digital visitor check'in system for each campus this fall. The restored campus monitor positions will be reflected in personnel rosters and the first interim reporting process.