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Committee reinstates safety subcommittee and approves extra security officers at Lowell High
Summary
Following a recent safety incident, the committee voted to reinstate a safety subcommittee and approved adding security officers at Lowell High School; members also directed a review of communication and emergency procedures for arrival/dismissal events.
The Lowell School Committee on Oct. 1 reinstated a safety subcommittee and referred a request for a broad focus group to review a Sept. 3 security incident to that subcommittee or to an existing safety meeting.
Mr. Rossi asked the superintendent to assemble a focus group including police, the safety coordinator, assistant superintendents, bus transportation representatives and parents to develop a timeline and improve communications around arrival and dismissal safety procedures; several members suggested the issue be handled in the safety subcommittee.
The committee also approved a motion to add additional security officers at Lowell High School. Mr. Conway introduced the request and the superintendent explained that Lowell High had previously reported a need for five additional officers; the administration said the school currently has 13 security staff. Mr. Conway said more personnel would provide ‘‘additional eyes’’ across the large campus.
Committee members compared staffing levels to other large high schools and described problems such as scooter and bike thefts outside the building; the vote to approve additional security officers passed by roll call.
Separately, Mr. Rossi moved that the superintendent work with the city manager to update the district’s maintenance‑of‑effort agreement to reflect current priorities; committee members described subcommittee work already underway and the motion passed.
