UPDATED: Dr. Pierce drills down on school safety progress

During the March 5th school board meeting Superintendent Pierce drilled down into what actions the District is taking to improve school safety.

Many changes are underway.  Representatives from the City of Sammamish and City of Redmond will partner with the district to hold two "safety forums" to update the public. The Eastlake HS safety forum is March 27th, 7-9 pm.  The Redmond HS forum is April 9th, 7-9 pm. Both jurisdictions and the City of Redmond are partnering to provide SRO's.

At the school board meeting, costs and safety installations were reviewed: door locks, key card access systems, interior classroom window shades, portable peep holes, security cameras and monitors, and School Resource Officers (SRO.) 

The District has a solid safety structure.  An "Executive Safety Team" chaired by Dr. Pierce meets once a month. A staff  "Safety Advisory Committee" chaired by Mr. Emory, the school risk officer meets every two weeks.  The PTSA partners for emergency preparedness.  A Building Administration and Incident Command system is in place.  The district works in conjunction with city officials and community leaders.  

Expansion of SRO services and campus security monitors are under review with a feasibility study; estimated costs are $1.8M - $3.05M.  Most of costs for key locks, key card access, and interior window shades (~$1.5M) would be paid by levy funding.

Currently, full-time SRO's work at Redmond HS, Redmond MS, and Rose Hill MS.  A full- time SRO works at Eastlake HS and nearby El schools, Full-time SRO's work at Juanita HS and at LWHS. and 2 half-time SRO's work at Evergreen MS, Stem and Alcott Elementary.   

During public comment "Dan" (w/two students at Evergreen) recommended adding two more half-time SRO's to Evergreen, Stem and Alcott schools ASAP....that SRO's are low hanging fruit.  He felt the $730,000 cost for monitors and cameras could be reduced with these new SRO's.  

"Carrie" (w/Redmond MS student) said high school counselors are over-worked, saying there are 275 students for every 1 counselor employed.  She said "there's not a lot of engagement points to try to catch those students needing additional help."

Director Cassandra Sage had some concern about how an expelled student is handled by the district.  Director Stuart said a wrist band "locator" could be placed on them.  Dr. Pierce said measures are in place.  

B. Yoder

Source:  Board Business meeting video and personal attendence at the meeting