District upgrades security systems, tests weapon‑detection tools after lightning damage; board approves emergency repairs

The Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools Board heard a broad update on security operations and voted to approve an emergency purchase to replace equipment damaged in recent lightning strikes.

Josh Meyer, director of school safety and security, told the board that the district is using state 31a and 97 funds to modernize intercoms, upgrade access control with encrypted card readers, expand exterior camera coverage and add camera server capacity that will support visible‑weapon detection software. Meyer said those upgrades are meant to close identified vulnerabilities, reduce risks from card cloning and improve integration with the district’s security operations center.

Why it matters: District officials said the upgrades address known technology gaps and improve incident response across 28 buildings and athletic facilities. Meyer said upgrades will also help secure bus yard assets and meet FERPA compliance for CTE program camera systems.

Weapon detection and pilots: Meyer described two lines of work. The district is piloting visible‑firearm detection with Motorola software integrated into its new server hardware, and it is testing a mobile concealed‑weapon scanning system marketed as Evolve to screen spectators at large after‑school events. Meyer said both pilots are part of a broader approach that includes law‑enforcement partnerships and threat‑assessment coordination.

Emergency purchase: The board approved a first‑and‑final emergency purchase (action 25‑05‑68) to replace cameras and other equipment damaged by multiple lightning strikes at Plymouth High School and nearby facilities. The motion was moved by Treasurer Patrick Kehoe and seconded by Member Sheryl Picard; the board voted 5‑0. Meyer said the damage included UPS backup units and cameras that will be submitted to the district’s insurer for reimbursement.

Operations and staffing: Meyer said the security operations center (SOC) runs two staffed shifts Monday–Friday and that the department is recruiting to fill three vacancies. He described a plan to digitize emergency operations plans, adopt the “I Love You Guys” reunification model, and implement outside third‑party security assessments for athletic and facility sites under new 97 funding; SCC (Secure Education Consultants) will perform many assessments.

Accessibility and ADA work: Meyer told the board the district has repaired and upgraded elevator and wheelchair lift equipment at high schools and is working through middle schools and the board office to ensure ADA‑compliant access. He noted the district had seven wheelchair lifts and that all are now operational.

Ending: Board members praised the work and urged public communication about safety improvements. No additional purchases were approved at the meeting beyond the emergency repair agenda item.