The Clarkstown School District implemented additional security measures after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. Now, the district is looking into possibly adding more safety precautions and has invited representatives of the schools’ PTA groups, eight bargaining units, Clarkstown police department and community members with security expertise to a 6:30 p.m. meeting on Monday, Jan. 28 at the district office.
Officials of the Clarkstown Police Department, Town Board and School District announced earlier this month that police patrols had begun including one randomly timed stop daily at a school within their assigned area. Clarkstown has 37 schools within its borders.
The officer walks through the school and speaks with school administrators and employees as well as checking the parking lot. Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton sent several messages to parents and guardians about what the district is currently doing and ideas under consideration.
Assistant Superintendent John LaNave, who is organizing the January 28th meeting, said the public is welcome to attend and observe but speaking opportunities are limited to the 50 invited participants. He welcomes ideas from residents and asked they submit them by email at jlanave@ccsd.edu.
“We want to get as much input as possible,” said LaNave.
At the beginning of the meeting, he will present an overview of the current security and training programs, then the invited speakers will be asked to share their thoughts on new measures and enhanced procedures or equipment. LaNave said he would wrap up the session by asking participants which specific ideas the district should look into further.
With that direction provided, LaNave will price the cost of the different safety steps. That information will be shared with the same designated group at a second meeting for comment and prioritizing. LaNave will follow that up by presenting their recommendations to the school board for its consideration. He anticipates that timeframe will probably be during the discussions concerning next year’s school budget.
