Superintendent reports two bus incidents, outlines new security measures and budget follow-up

Superintendent Dr Deito reported to the East Haddam Board of Education on March 12 that the district experienced two transportation incidents this week but that no students were injured.

"There were a couple of accidents ... three students on the bus at the time," Dr Deito said, describing a collision that prompted police reports and parent notifications; she added that another bus rolled into a second bus during drop-off and that staff followed up with families and the school nurse. She said the district is continuing to investigate and monitor student welfare.

Dr Deito also outlined new security measures: exterior doors across school buildings are now locked with a buzzer/intercom system to control vestibule access, and district administrators are conducting tabletop exercises with local law enforcement to rehearse emergency scenarios. She said the district has held family sessions for questions about safety and is scheduling additional focus groups connected to the district strategic plan.

On budget matters, the acting chair and Dr Deito reminded attendees that the Board of Education budget was presented to the Board of Finance and that Dr Deito will return to the Board of Finance on March 20 to continue the discussion and present requested items. Board members asked clarifying questions about last-day schedules and snow-day makeups for different grade levels.

The board did not take additional action on the transportation incidents at the meeting; Dr Deito said she had spoken personally with affected parents and that police reports had been filed.