In light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Haddonfield’s Board of Education meeting on Jan. 24 largely focused on a review of school security measures.
“This is an ongoing issue,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard Perry, and the district is primarily concerned about student safety.
“We want to make sure that we have all the necessary policies (and) procedures in place in regard to make our school district as safe as we can,” he said.
Communication has been taking place regularly among district officials, the police department and the office of emergency management, he said, and the district is reviewing the emergency communication system in place.
The district, he said, continues to analyze all of the school buildings on an individual basis.
Following the shooting in Connecticut, the district held several meetings, including with the police department, office of emergency management, fire department, at a superintendent roundtable meeting, at the New Jersey Board of Education Security Forum, in a meeting of state senators, mayors and police chiefs, and in consultation with security experts and building principals.
A key in the process is limiting the access of outside individuals coming into the schools and controlling the flow of visitors, while having rapid response methods in place.
The police department in Haddonfield is close, he said, and can be at the schools quickly.
“You’re absolutely right,” said Police Chief John Banning. “It’s nice that we’re a small town.”
While the communication system in place works well, Perry said, it is a goal to make it even better.
In particular, he hopes for a formation of internal district crisis team, to compile resources within the district for an action plan following a potential issue.
While Perry did not go into further detail with other plans for security reasons, he did express the desire to create a safety and security committee to include school board members, administration, buildings and grounds, engineering, police, fire, subject matter experts, parents and community members.
Bond reaction
The $12.5 million bond to potentially acquire the Bancroft property off of Kings Highway was defeated by voters on Jan. 22.
“You put ideas out and people debate them, and we live in a country where luckily we count the votes,” said Board President Steve Weinstein.
Weinstein thanked school board members, administration and the community for input.
“The turn out was very high for an election such as this,” he said. “I think we had a good debate in town.”
Now, he said, it’s time to move on to other issues, like the budget.
“Haddonfield cares about their town,” added Perry. “I’m still very proud of the vision and it will always be close to my heart.”
In memory
John Toto, a district guidance counselor of more than 35 years, passed away recently, said Perry.
“You couldn’t find a nicer man than Mr. Toto,” Perry said. “He was always positive, he was always smiling. All the students liked him.”
“We’re just going to miss him,” he added. “It’s not often you come across people like John, but I’m glad I did.”
Budget discussion
The first budget discussion took place at the meeting. Discussions will continue until the finalization in March, said Weinstein.
At future meetings, Perry will present his recommendations for the budget, Weinstein said, and Gov. Christie holds his budget address to discuss state aid in February.
“We hope that it is stable,” Weinstein said of potential aid from the state.
“This is a process,” said Perry of budget discussions. “We want it to be as open as possible.”
Public input is appreciated, he said, and the hope is to maintain fiscal responsibility in the district.
Business Administrator Dawn Leary gave a presentation that assumed a flat local tax levy and a flat state aid, with tuition enrollment increased to 42 students and a 2 percent increase in administration salaries. Extraordinary aid was left flat in the presentation as well.
The total proposed revenue in her presentation had an increase of 0.3 percent over last school year, at $33,145,910.
For more information on budget talks as it becomes available, visit www.haddonfield.k12.nj.us.
The next budget discussion will take place at the Feb. 7 meeting.
