Board opens 30-day public comment period on districtwide safety plan after state adds cardiac component

The Pelham Board of Education opened a public hearing Sept. 16 to accept comment on a revised districtwide safety plan that adds a cardiac component required by recent state legislation.

Assistant superintendent (Facilities) told the board the district previously approved a safety plan and that the state added new legislation after the initial 30-day public review, prompting the revised plan and a renewed 30-day public comment period. The draft plan highlights the cardiac addition and will be available for review on the district website and at school buildings, officials said. The administration plans to close the comment period before the board's final meeting in October and return the plan for board re-approval.

During the hearing, board members asked operational questions about safety trainings and coordination with local first responders; the assistant superintendent said local police and fire departments receive building safety plans every year and that joint training (including a multi-agency tactical exercise held in previous years) typically occurs annually. Board members noted the district's cooperative relationship with village public-safety agencies and said outside agencies sometimes request building access to hold training outside school hours.

No public speakers registered comments during the Sept. 16 hearing. The board voted to convene and then close the public hearing; the administration said the draft plan is highlighted to show changes and will be posted for public review. The district will seek final re-approval at the board's October meeting after the 30-day comment period ends.