Matthews board approves reallocation of $157,000 for school security upgrades

The Matthews County School Board voted 5-0 on Aug. 20 to adopt a resolution asking county officials to reallocate a roughly $157,000 state safety and security allocation to the school division for immediate security work.

Superintendent David Daniel told the board the recently completed safety-audit summary emphasized "hardening the exterior of our buildings," including locking doors, access-control measures, fencing and improved lighting, and noted the division is replacing failing radios and has invested in a new camera network. "All the cameras are synced on the same time code" and the system now supports remote access for the SRO and, when appropriate, the sheriff's office, Daniel said.

Daniel said the state pushed the safety money to divisions on June 30 and that the funds are intended for safety-related purchases and improvements. He told the board the reallocation would allow the division to move quickly on fencing, door replacements and other priorities identified in the audit. The superintendent also said the division has ordered additional radios and placed camera hardware with a state grant that covered about 75% of the cost; the division contributed a 25% match.

During discussion, board members pressed for priorities and timelines. The superintendent said contractors have been asked to price fencing in school courtyards and that a phased approach to door replacements and ballistic film for vestibules was being considered to balance historical preservation and security needs.

The board approved the resolution without discussion and recorded the motion as passed 5-0. The superintendent said the division will report back as projects are scoped and contracts awarded.