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Board approves Fortis security contract and authorizes district security supervisor to carry firearm
Summary
After discussion about staffing standards and training, Anchor Bay approved an armed-security services contract with Fortis Group and authorized the district security supervisor to carry a firearm in his official capacity.
The Anchor Bay School Board voted Aug. 27 to award a contract for armed-security services to the Fortis Group and to permit the district’s newly hired security supervisor to carry a firearm while performing official duties.
Procurement and selection: The district conducted an RFP and received 13 responses for armed-security services. Administration recommended Fortis Group, citing the vendor’s training standards, experience in school settings and readiness to provide guards who meet the district’s expectations. Board members noted that Fortis was not the low bid but said its firearms training, use-of-force standards and local experience made it a preferred vendor.
Board discussion: Board members asked about contract language that describes personnel reassignment. One board member said the contract text gave the vendor final authority to assign or reassign its employees; administration said the clause is intended to protect vendor employees while allowing the vendor and district to work together on reassignment and that, in practice, Fortis has been responsive to district requests to remove or reassign specific guards. Operations staff said past requests to replace a guard were handled quickly — generally within 24 hours — and that Fortis has trained local building personnel and coordinated with local law enforcement.
Security supervisor firearm approval: The board also approved a motion authorizing the district’s supervisor of security, Dan Chenoweth, to carry a firearm in his official capacity. Administration said Chenoweth holds a valid CPL and has law enforcement and school-safety experience; the district will use the vendor’s range and certification options to maintain ongoing qualifications.
Why it matters: Armed security and trained supervisors are part of the district’s safety plan for students and staff. The board emphasized training standards and ongoing oversight as central to the contract decision and asked administration to maintain clear channels for raising concerns about assigned personnel.
Selected quotes - “Fortis was the clear best choice based on experience, quality of guard provided and knowledge of the district and its procedures,” administration said in its recommendation. - “We can call them and have someone replaced in 24 hours,” the operations lead said when describing past personnel reassignments.
Ending: The contract and authorization are effective immediately; administration committed to oversee performance, provide training access for district staff and return to the board with any operational concerns.
