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Board discusses school safety measures: panic-alert app, SRO agreements and perimeter fencing
Summary
Board members reviewed renewals and contracts for a district-wide Motorola 'Ray' panic-alert app, multiple school resource officer agreements with local police and sheriff's departments, and chain-link fencing projects near schools and retention ponds, with questions about bids, change orders and hourly cost inclusions.
District staff presented several safety-related items and answered board questions about procurement and deployment.
Panic-alert app: The board considered a one-year renewal for a Motorola "Ray" panic-alert system that places an app on staff phones. Staff said the app uses phone data (not only school Wi-Fi) and geofencing to the school perimeter, notifies 911 and designated crisis-team members, and allows two-way text with 911 in emergencies. Staff characterized it as an extra layer of security that integrates with local 911 and police communications.
School resource officers: Agreements with the sheriff's department, Barboursville police and Huntington police were presented. Staff said SROs provide patrol and safety duties as well as educational and prevention programs (including DARE) and informal mentoring; separate school-security officers funded by the sheriff rotate among rural schools. A board member asked whether the hourly rate includes benefits; staff said benefits are included and agreed to double-check specific contract language.
Perimeter and retention-pond fencing: Staff described LSIC-approved chain-link fencing projects (Meadow Ridge Ranch Construction) to install about 6-foot fence along I-64 at Milton Middle School and fencing at Meadows Elementary retention pond. Board members raised concerns about low-bid acceptance and the risk of later change orders; staff said site visits and detailed specifications are part of the procurement process and that fencing projects historically produce few change orders.
Board members asked for presentations from SROs during the school year so the public can hear about their educational work. The items were placed on the consent agenda and approved as part of routine business.
