Director outlines security, facilities and transportation updates for Benton County schools
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Summary
Director Mark Lawrence briefed the board on required threat reporting, new camera installations and training, portable metal detector purchases, HVAC work underway, asphalt repairs and proposed traffic changes at a high school entrance funded in part by grants.
Benton County —Director Mark Lawrence told the board the district has implemented several safety and facilities measures and intends near-term follow-up actions.
Lawrence said the district must provide quarterly reports on threats under a new law and noted an incident under investigation; "the new law ... says we have to put a statement out in 48 hours," he told the board. He said local law enforcement is handling the active investigation and the district will publish information after law enforcement completes its work.
On security equipment, Lawrence said the district plans to buy two portable metal detectors (smaller, portable units, not stadium-sized walkthrough scanners) and has installed a new camera system in all schools with administrator training scheduled for Oct. 16. "I think it's quite amazing what we had on it," he said of the camera system.
Facilities updates included completion of HVAC work in the 500 pod and ongoing work in the 400 pod, asphalt repairs at the high school scheduled for fall break, and a discussion with the city to use grant funds for flashing LED beacons and a three-way stop at the high school entrance to improve traffic flow and safety. Lawrence also said staff will consider whether surplus chillers have resale value.
Lawrence and staff emphasized that several measures stem from grant awards: the Healthy Air Schools grant ($8,000) and a security grant among other smaller allocations. The board was reminded staff will schedule a transportation and policy committee meeting in mid-October to discuss driver shortages and finalize related policies.
Board members asked for follow-up on implementation timelines; staff said procurement and scheduling would be coordinated by the appropriate departments. The board did not take formal action on these items but listed them for implementation and committee follow-up.