Case: School System Will Request Funds for Additional Security Measures

Since the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Canton school district has taken additional safety measures and plans for more, some of which will involve funding requests, Superintendent Kevin Case told the Board of Education this week.

“We’re looking at getting estimates for additional security procedures,” he said.

School officials plan to ask the board for funding, some in this fiscal year and others in the proposed 2013-2014 budget, he said. 

Case did not offer specifics Tuesday night. In many cases it would compromise security to make past and proposed changes public, he said. 

Case also detailed some of the steps taken since the tragedy. The following Monday, school officials met with police chief Christopher Arciero and Adam B. Libros, the town’s fire marshal and director of emergency management.

The group discussed procedures and the emergency officials later walked the buildings.

“That meeting was very productive,” Case said.

Police were also provided a greater presence at the schools after the tragedy and will still continue to do so, he said.

After the tragedy, each school principal sent letters to parents detailing tips for talking to children, some safety concerns and how the school would handle the topic.

Case also sent letters to parents as well and said he received good feedback on the communication and police presence.

“Parents are very appreciate of the communication and efforts,” he said.

Canton officials also attended a safety symposium at the Aqua Turf in Southington Monday and heard input from other school systems and security experts from all over the country, Case said. Future workshops will help schools learn more, he added.

Case began the discussion on security with an observation that the shootings still weigh heavy on everyone's minds.

“I know that we’ve all been thinking about the tragedy in Newtown,” he said.