AG directors approve arming guard at high school
MASONTOWN — School directors in the Albert Gallatin Area School District are the latest board to consider a measure that would arm security guards in the district.
On Wednesday, the board gave unanimous approval that authorizes security guards to carry a firearm when stationed at the front entrance of the high school and its parking lots.
“It’s a sign of the times,” said Superintendent Carl Bezjak. “We feel that with prepared and trained personnel we are being proactive. We can better prevent injury and keep our students and staff safe.”
Bezjak referenced the recent knife attack by a student at Franklin Regional High School.
“It is absolutely necessary for all school districts to take a proactive approach,” said Bezjak.
Guards permitted to carry weapons must complete and maintain certification pursuant to the Lethal Weapons Training Act 235, Bezjak stressed.
Board President Jeff Myers said he supports the measure completely.
“It’s a tool to keep our schools safe. Anytime you can stop something from happening, by any means, it saves lives. It can often take a brief second to subdue a perpetrator if you have the right tools,” Myers said.
In April 2013, directors in the district acted unanimously to authorize the installation of secured gun safes at the high school and both of the district’s middle schools, with access specifically limited to the district’s school police officer and district security guards who have completed state firearms certification.
Director Janet Swaney was not present at Wednesday’s meeting.
In other business, the directors voted 7-1 to again award the district’s food service management contract to Nutrition Inc. for the 2014-15 school year, with a guaranteed loss not to exceed $287,919.
Myers did not vote in favor of the measure.
“I feel we need to explore our options within our food services department to make certain we are making a financially sound choice,” said Myers.
He added he would like the district to further investigate the food services department purchasing and preparing its own food rather than utilizing an outside contractor.
Lunches will be increased by 10 cents in the next school year. The board approved the measure that increases secondary lunch prices to $2.30 and elementary lunch prices to $1.95. Free and reduced lunch prices will remain 40 cents in the district.
In personnel matters, the board gave approval to hire the following individuals for positions in the district: Sherry Garuska (cafeteria), Ashley Dupont (elementary life skills), Lacey Wood (elementary art) and Kaitlyn Stone (high school art).
After a brutal winter that has extended the school year, the final day of school for seniors in the district and graduation has been set for June 13. The last day for all other students will be June 16. And the directors adopted the school calendar for the 2014-15 school year, which will have students returning to the classroom on Aug. 25.