Council members join ad hoc committee as board raises campus-safety concerns at King Street

Council members Holly Robinson and Irving Fox joined the Danbury Board of Education Sites and Facilities ad hoc meeting to continue a joint review of school facilities and safety concerns.

Juanita Harris, a Board of Education member, emphasized student safety as a priority: “One of the things that we've stressed district wide, and I think everybody is in agreement, is the safety issues, of our students, staff, families, but especially our school campuses.” Harris told the committee that at several schools — and specifically at King Street Intermediate — individuals can walk directly onto playground areas without first reaching the front office. She urged council members and staff to inspect the campus and called for improvements to prevent unauthorized access.

Holly Robinson, councilwoman, described the ad hoc arrangement as collaborative and said the group is working to define its scope and authority. Irving Fox, councilman, said he appreciated the invitation and the progress so far.

Rich Talbert, a district facilities staff member, reported recent small-scale repairs and said the district is evaluating short- and longer-term fixes at King Street: “One idea… is to put a gate across that left front entrance, which would be which would prohibit anybody just walking into the playground area.” He said staff plan to meet with the principal before installing any changes and that the district is working with the city on perimeter fencing because those responsibilities often fall to municipal crews.

Committee members and staff also discussed operational coordination tied to larger district moves, including the forthcoming DHS West occupancy and internal reconfigurations at Danbury High School. Staff described substantial logistical work to relocate teachers and records, and to reconfigure the high school by academy once spaces are vacated.

Next steps: ad hoc members said they expect to schedule a site visit and a follow-up ad hoc meeting; the committee will also return to the city council in April to seek an extension of the ad hoc charter and to report on progress.