SECURITY PRESENTATION … Dan Spiegal was on hand to provide the Board with an overview of the 911inform system.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Pettisville Local Board of Education met for its regular September meeting on Monday, September 11, 2023, with all members present.
Superintendent Josh Clark, Treasurer Chris Lee, Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel, School Resource Officer Steve Schlosser, and Director of Technology Mike Zimmerman were also in attendance.
Superintendent Clark noted that the district received a $200,000 safety grant earlier in the spring and staff have been looking at different options to utilize those funds.
He turned the meeting over to Dan Spiegal of 911inform who presented to the Board an overview of the firm’s building security software for them to consider.
In the event of an emergency, the 911inform system would aid in providing real-time communication with first responders and designated school staff.
When a 911 call is made within a 911inform-equipped area, it triggers an emergency event in the software, notifying relevant personnel such as dispatchers, law enforcement, and medical teams.
The system utilizes other features including caller location identification, integration with RapidSOS, a location discovery solution, and connected building controls allowing emergency dispatchers or staff to control admittance to the building during an emergency situation.
Board Member Pam Skates asked the SRO Schlosser if he had any concerns about outside resources having access to lock and unlock doors.
“No concerns whatsoever because it’s only going to our 911 communications center. A single dispatcher will have that capability,” clarified Schlosser.
Schlosser elaborated on the first responder communication functionality of the software and noted it would allow for first responders to also get accurate, real-time information if an event were to take place on school grounds.
“You know, for an officer to have that kind of information at their fingertips, for somebody who has never been in here (the school), that is huge.”
“Again, this isn’t a foolproof system, but it is something that is better than what we have – than anybody has right now,” Schlosser continued.
“Sheriff Miller is all on board with his communications agency in installing this – we’re going to try to convince every school district in the county to get in on this.”
“Honestly, this is a game changer for us in responding – police, fire, EMS. This is seriously one of the best things that I have ever seen in my entire career.”
IT Director Zimmerman did add that after reviewing the software he does have some concerns that will need to be addressed and worked out if the district decides to implement the new first responder communication system.
During the meeting, the Board approved the Consent Agenda containing minutes from its August 2023 meeting, financial reports as presented by the treasurer, and approved bills for payment.
Also under the Consent Agenda, in personnel matters, the Board approved contracts for the following individuals: Samantha Durbin-Teacher Aide, Shannon Saffell-Morning Supervision, Chrisina Reiniche-Cook, Cathy Gruenhagen- Cafeteria Substitute, Kyleigh Caldwell-Cafeteria Substitute, Lindsay Bevard-Cafeteria Substitute, and Duane Beck-Junior Advisor.
Treasurer Lee spoke on a request to approve the Fiscal Year 2024 Permanent Appropriations Resolution and the accompanying Amended Official Certificate of Estimated Resources.
Lee shared that the district’s spending is on track noting that total revenues for the fiscal year are at $13,963,265.28 with total appropriation spending at $9,016,961.53. The Board approved the resolution.
The Board also approved the annual transfer of $92,000 from the General Fund to the Turbine Fund which allows for the district to maintain the turbine and pay for electric bills associated with the equipment.
Lee also noted “In other news, we received all of the property tax settlements in August for the second half of tax year ‘23.”
“We received $704, 254.73 – that includes the advance that we received in July. It represents an increase of just over $2,700 over last year at this time. That includes $490,777 that went to the General Fund which is about $2,200 over this time last year.”
“We received our rollback in Homestead reimbursement which was $95,000. It’s a little bit less than the $96,000 that we received last year. We received 809 from the casino tax.”
“I also wanted to report that we are moving forward with the lighting project through the company Energy Optimizers. They are going to be looking at being in the building to commence work sometime in the late fall,” Lee added.
Jason Waldvogel, Elementary Principal took a moment to update the Board on the latest news coming from the elementary highlighting that the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Revised was administered.
Principal Waldvogel also shared with the Board that Mrs. Kisha Genter is now certified as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist and successfully completed the IMSE Orton-Gillingham Comprehensive Certification.
The elementary students are also looking forward to the Fulton County Ag Fest on September 19 as well as Fun Fridays throughout the new school year.
Waldvogel noted that the Blackbird Pantry program to help district families during difficult economic times will continue this year.
The elementary will be collecting non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to stock the pantry and families in need may request a particular item at any time.
JH/HS Principal Adam Wagner was not in attendance however Superintendent Clark read his report to the Board highlighting schedule adjustments, utilization of the SmartPass digital hall pass system, and the upcoming student council picnic at the park.
In his own report, Superintendent Clark elaborated on the upcoming Energy Optimizers project as well as the ongoing professional development based on Grading Smarter, Not Harder by Myron Dueck.
With nothing further, the Board adjourned. The next Pettisville Board of Education meeting is slated for Monday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com