Feb. 5, 2013 Facilities/Security Sub Meeting

Revised Agenda

Quincy School Committee
School Facilities and Security Subcommittee
Mr. David McCarthy, Chairperson
2nd Floor Conference Room
NAGE Building
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
5:00 p.m

  1. Welcome - Chairman McCarthy

  2. Review of Classroom Door Lock and Alarm Survey/Cost Estimate

  3. Visitor Protocols/School Lobby Security

  4. Update of School Improvement Plan Issues/Lighting Audit

  5. Adjournment/Thank You!

Minutes

Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

A meeting of the Facilities and Security Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 5:00 pm in the 2 nd Floor Conference Room at the NAGE Building. Present were Mr. Paul Bregoli, Mrs. Kathryn Hubley, Ms. Barbara Isola, Mrs. Emily Lebo, and Mr. David McCarthy, Chair. Also attending were Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro, Assistant Superintendent Colleen Roberts, Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Murphy, Mr. Kevin Segalla; Ms. Allison Cox, President, Quincy Education Association; Quincy Police Department School Resource Officer Lisa Devine, and Ms. Laura Owens, Clerk.

Mr. McCarthy called the meeting called to order at 5:00 pm. The first item on the agenda was a joint presentation by Mr. Michael Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Murphy, and Mr. Kevin Segalla giving an overview of school building security issues. Mr. McCarthy noted that the goal of the Subcommittee is to be able to set priorities to discuss with the Mayor and City Council for the FY2014 budgeting. Dr. DeCristofaro reiterated that this is the current state of information gathering, but that the process is ongoing.

Mr. Draicchio started with an overview of Surveillance. Grants from the Norfolk District Attorney’s office over the last several years have assisted in increasing school surveillance. Mr. Kevin Segalla reported on the working order of school buildings alarms, a combination of exterior door alarms and interior motion detectors. Mr. McCarthy noted that over the last few years, faulty alarm contacts have been identified and replaced. Mr. Kevin Segalla confirmed that the building alarms notify the monitoring company, who in turn notify the Quincy Police Department and building custodians. Mr. Draicchio explained that all elementary and middle schools are equipped with integrated doorbell/intercoms. Two schools now have a doorbell/ intercom/camera system and the goal is to have them in all schools. All schools have a camera pointed at the front door to assist the office staff in identifying visitors. For the high school entrances, the security protocol will change so that visitors will need to be admitted to the building. Mr. Draicchio also reviewed Access Control Systems for individual school buildings where staff would be able to access school buildings through a swipe card system. Quincy High School already has an access control system; the new Central Middle School will have it as well.

For interior security, an ID review system is being considered for the high schools; we are hoping to partner with QPD on implementation. Photo ID badges for all QPS staff may be implemented along with the Access Control system. For Classroom door locks, Mr. Murphy showed a prototype for a new door handle/lockset. Mr. McCarthy noted that Mr. Kevin Segalla has done a comprehensive survey of door lock issues.

Mr. McCarthy asked Mrs. Cox if she had any questions about the issues. Ms. Cox said the locks on classroom door are the top concern of QEA members. Mrs. Cox also mentioned the ID badges as being a high priority, especially for staff who travel between buildings. Mr. McCarthy asked the parents present for any input. Mrs. Robinson thanked the Subcommittee and Mr. Draicchio for the work done so far. She asked whether installing deadbolts in classrooms would be a possibility. Mr. Murphy explained that deadbolts are against the building code. Mr. McCarthy suggested that a next step would be to explore with other school systems about how they are handling some of these security issues.

Mr. Draicchio reviewed that visitor protocols have been updated and will be posted on exterior doors at all schools by February 8. Notices of surveillance are also being posted at each school building. Classroom emergency procedures were updated for the beginning of the school year and are posted throughout all of our school buildings in classrooms, offices, and public areas. Mr. Draicchio noted that we are constantly assessing our security procedures and sharing information with other cities and towns. Mr. Draicchio then discussed the ongoing assessment of Public Address systems within buildings, there are a few issues currently being addressed through Maintenance. Ms. Isola asked for clarification; Mr. Murphy noted that where there are problems, walkie-talkies have been issued so that all rooms can communicate with the office.

Mr. Bregoli asked about the School Resource Office deployment at the high schools. Mr. Draicchio confirmed that unless they are needed at another building, the Resource Officers begin their day at the high schools. Ms. Isola complimented the School Resource Officers for their relationships with the students and staffs at each building.

The next item on the agenda was a review of the requested projects in the Maintenance department. The School Improvement Plan, Security Audit, and Lighting Audit requests have been integrated; project status will be updated as the year progresses. Some projects are designated as vacation or summer projects and others will be collaborative between Maintenance and DPW or Parks. Projected completion dates will be shared as available. The School Committee will review the list and surface any issues for prioritization.

Mr. McCarthy thanked Mr. Draicchio, Mr. Kevin Segalla, and Mr. Murphy for the work they’ve done since the last School Committee meeting and responding to the parent concerns.

Mr. Bregoli made a motion to adjourn the Facilities and Security Subcommittee Meeting at 6:05 pm. Mrs. Hubley seconded the motion and on a voice vote, the ayes have it.