P.E.A. Calls on District to Swap Salary in Upcoming Administrative Vacancy
for Security Equipment

Security Risk Creates Need to Ensure
Student & Staff Safety

Article 25:2 of the contract between the Association and the District provides P.E.A. with the right to meet with the District administration in the event of any disorder or disruption in the regular school program. After the week long disruptions at Kennedy High School, the Association entered such a demand and met twice with officials of the administration, including Dr. Glascoe. At the meeting of October 29, which was a follow-up to a meeting held John F. Kennedy High School several potential solutions were discussed, including the addition of seven (7) metal detectors at the school. This suggestion had come from the Department of Security in response to P.E.A. questions as to what was needed at the school to provide a more safe and secure environment for the students and staff.

At the time of our meeting it was indicated that the District did not have the funds available to purchase the suggested metal detectors, which were quoted as being $4,500 per unit. The suggestions made by the Office of Security met no opposition from any of the individuals in attendance at the first meeting at Kennedy High School. P.E.A. believes that acceptance of these measures reflected the seriousness of the situation and the need for such actions. It was the hope of those in the meeting that the purchase and installation of the machines would assist in maintaining a safer environment for students and staff.

On November 28, the Association provided an alternative method for funding the purchase of the metal detectors. In a letter to Dr. Glascoe, P.E.A. President Pete Tirri stated "It is our understanding that Ms. Deidre Simon, Assistant Superintendent, has announced her retirement effective January 31, 2008. Assuming Ms. Simon is paid at the rate for the position of $140,000 with an additional $10,000 for health benefits, the District will have an obligation to her of $75,000 for the period from July, 2007 through January, 2008, leaving $75,000 available after that time."

"While the District has posted for a replacement for Ms. Simon, we would suggest that the safety of the children and staff at Kennedy High School is, at this time, a priority. We were advised at our previous meeting that the metal detectors desired would cost approximately $31,500 (seven machines at $4,500 each). By delaying the appointment of Ms. Simon's successor until July 1, 2008 the District could transfer the $75,000 in unused salary for the purpose of purchasing and installing the metal detectors suggested by the Office of Security now while filling the vacancy in the next fiscal year budget. Additionally, the remaining funds might be adequate to purchase at least some of the additional surveillance cameras also suggested at the first meeting."

Tirri's letter continued "While we acknowledge your right to establish staffing in the District, we would respectfully suggest that the duties assigned to Ms. Simon could readily be split among the remaining assistant superintendents for the six month period from February through June, thereby permitting the purchase of equipment that will assist in providing for the safety of the children and staff at Kennedy."

Despite our suggestion for funding the requested equipment, no response from the administration has been received, and no such equipment has been seen at Kennedy High. Instead, the District held focus sessions with students to try to determine the reasons for the disturbances. It was reported in The Torch, JFK's student newspaper, that the "biggest concerns on students' minds were the 20-minute lunch periods (for students), block scheduling, school security, lack of discipline, and bathroom conditions." Additionally, discussions also raised the 88-minute block period, the cut policy, and safety of the students and staff.

In response, one staff member complimented the students, but added "I felt the answers weren't direct enough and didn't offer any solutions or a plan to remedy outstanding issues."

Not surprisingly, no staff forum of a similar nature was held, and staff members remain concerned and frustrated.

"While not the total solution to the problems voiced at the student forums, the purchase of the metal detectors addresses the major concern of safety and security in the school," Tirri stated. "The money will be available starting February 1. Orders could be placed with delivery and installation to take that day. We see no reason for this suggestion to be ignored."

P.E.A. will continue to pursue venues to assist the students and staff of JFK..