Security software discussed for MES

By NATHAN LAMB | Milton Independent Staff Writer
miltonreporter@yahoo.com

The School Board is eyeing a grant that would hook criminal record databases into a security checkpoint in the Elementary School lobby.

The topic was raised during discussion of security measures at the board’s Sept. 10 meeting.

The service would center on web-based software that would allow the checkpoint to scan driver’s licenses to track both who is picking students up and screen for outstanding warrants and sex offender registry information, said Elementary School co-principal Wes McClellan.

Installation, software, and hardware for the system would be covered through Department of Justice and Homeland Security Grants. Such systems are relatively common in the south, but are still new to the northeast, said McClellan. He added the grants has relatively few strings.

“The only requirement is you use it for a year,” he said.

After that, the school would need to buy materials to maintain the checkpoint, “It’s a minimal amount of cost and if we don’t want to do it after a year we don’t have to,” he said.

The board moved onto other business from there.

Afterwards, Superintendent of Schools Martin Waldron said security measures for the elementary school are still being sorted out and prioritized by a subcommittee that will report to the School Board.

“Basically what we’ve been getting is proposals from various providers about possible solutions for our needs here,” he said. “Our goal is to come back to the board with a recommendation so we can manage our buildings a little more security.”