Budget surplus to security at HVRHS

FALLS VILLAGE — The Region One Board of Education voted unanimously to keep $146,000 of about $288,000 in unexpended funds from the 2011-12 budget in order to upgrade security at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.The regional school board addressed the issue at the regular monthly board meeting Monday, Feb. 4.Region One Business Manager Sam Herrick asked that the board consider keeping 1 percent of the total budget instead of returning the money to the towns in the form of a credit against the next high school tuition assessment.He said that three companies have offered estimates for improving exterior security at the high school, at a cost in the area of $60,000. Housatonic Valley Regional High School Principal Matt Harnett explained further, saying the main features of an upgrade are the installation of 15 video cameras on the exterior of the building, and beginning the switch from traditional locks with metal keys to electronic locks and either key cards or fobs.Harnett acknowledged that adding such security devices would mark a change in the atmosphere at the high school. “The community is used to this building being open all the time.”(It was, in fact, difficult for members of the public and the press to get into the building for the 6 p.m. meeting. The front door was locked, and this reporter had to get the attention of someone inside the library and have that person open the library door.)Harnett said the board should consider cameras in the interior of the building as well. He didn’t anticipate that the cost of work inside would be more than the cost of upgrades outside the building.Asked if the plan called for someone always watching the video monitors, Harnett said “no.”He said the funding for security upgrades could be arranged in two ways, the first being the plan under discussion (keeping 1 percent of the budget surplus).The alternative, he continued, would be to add the cost to the 2013-14 budget.He urged the board to take the former course of action.“We need to do something now,” he said. “Whether you take it sooner or later, you’re going to see a proposal from the high school.”Board Chairman Phil Hart said the board would need a written “rationale” for the town boards of finance, explaining why the expected credit from the 2011-12 budget surplus would be effectively cut in half.Jonathan Moore of Kent said he had discussed the matter with Kent First Selectman Bruce Adams, and that Adams was inclined to a slower pace, in anticipation of possible state or federal funds for security. Moore also asked if changing to electronic locks could be worked into the project, already underway, of complying with an audit for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Herrick said he had consulted with the architect on the ADA project, who told him “it would be a stretch” to combine improvements to interior security with that work.Herrick also noted that interior improvements would come at a later date than those to the exterior, and in the event the entire $146,000 was not spent, the remainder could be returned to the towns.