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Board questions $6,000 Berks County safety consortium agreement, staff says services are used
Summary
Board members questioned whether the district can pare back a proposed $6,000 contract with the Berks County Safety & Security Consortium; staff said the consortium provides cyclical safety assessments, training, emergency contact repositories and consultation and that many services are used even if not a la carte.
The Oley Valley School District board discussed a proposal to approve Berks County Safety and Security Consortium services through the Berks County Intermediate Unit for $6,000 for the 2025–26 school year.
"To approve the Berks County Safety and Security Consortium services with the BCIU in the amount of $6,000 for the 25, 26 school years," said Mrs. Corral when introducing the item. Some board members questioned whether the district uses all listed services and whether the fee could be reduced or eliminated.
District staff explained the consortium performs cyclical on‑site safety assessments, provides training and professional development, assists with safety‑plan drafting and communications, and maintains an emergency contact repository for county districts. Staff emphasized the utility of having an up‑to‑date list of emergency contacts and the IU’s role in supporting staffing searches, quarterly meetings and technical assistance.
One board member called the emergency‑contact repository "an emergency" that should be available broadly; staff replied that some contact numbers are confidential (personal cell numbers) and that information-sharing is limited to participating districts. The board agreed to raise questions about whether an a‑la‑carte option or cost adjustments are feasible given Oley Valley’s small district size.
No final vote on the contract was recorded in the public portion of the meeting. The presenter said she would raise board questions at the next BCIU meeting and report back.
The discussion will be revisited when the item is brought forward for formal board action.
