West 40 finds District 57 largely safe; board approves $48,000 Westbrook bridge repair with grant reimbursement
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Summary
A West 40 security audit praised District 57’s coordination with first responders and recommended procedural and modest equipment changes; the board approved a roughly $48,000 repair to the Westbrook bridge and will seek reimbursement through a maintenance grant that can cover up to half the project.
Randy Braverman of West 40 presented a district security assessment Wednesday, telling trustees the district and first responders have a strong working relationship and that most recommendations are procedural or modest equipment purchases.
"They are doing a great job overall for safety in the District 57," Braverman said, summarizing interviews with staff, teachers and first responders. He recommended a mix of updated procedures, additional training and selective purchases to address interior and exterior vulnerabilities.
Following the audit presentation, administration asked the board to approve contracting to repair the Westbrook bridge over Weller Creek. The district received a quote near $48,000 for restoration work; administration said the district will pay the cost up front and close out a maintenance grant expected to reimburse up to half of the expense (grant maximum $50,000 for qualifying projects).
The board moved, seconded and approved the Westbrook bridge repair and instructed administration to proceed with contracting and to coordinate timing around weather and Westbrook construction impacts.
Why it matters: the audit provides an outside assessment of school security practices and the bridge repair addresses a local infrastructure issue affecting school access and safety. The district will pursue grant reimbursement, which reduces net cost to taxpayers.
What's next: administration will compile an implementation plan for the audit recommendations with police partners and proceed with the bridge vendor once contracting is completed and weather allows.