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District schedules Aug. 12 visit by Connecticut experts to study contraband and campus safety
Summary
Board members discussed rising vape and contraband incidents, described recent investments in a $300,000 support team increase, and scheduled a fact-finding visit on Aug. 12 with a psychologist and a superintendent from Deep River, Connecticut, to review interventions used there.
Board members described a recent roughly $300,000 increase in the school's support team budget and credited that staffing for improved ability to de-escalate and isolate incidents on campus. The chair said the district has seen positive results from the added support team and called the enhancement "well worth it."
Members said contraband — including vapes and small containers concealed in resealed snack bags — is an increasing problem. Helen told the board that Dawn Taylor (a psychologist with state-police experience) and Dr. Levy (a superintendent who worked with Deep River, Connecticut) will meet with the district on Aug. 12 to describe what was successful in that school. "She will be here for the meeting on the I think on the 12th," Helen said, noting the session is intended as a preliminary, fact-finding discussion and that any changes would need OCFS review before implementation.
Board and staff discussed current search and screening practices and limitations under OCFS and education law. Staff described routine arrival searches and transport procedures and emphasized they will consult OCFS on what tactics are allowable; the chair said any invasive measures must be "handled upfront, meticulously and legally and properly in accordance with law and policy in a public school."
