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Cameras sought for school district facilities
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 HIBBING
— Education governors gave the green light on installing picture-taking
tools at the High School with the hopes of deterring future vandalism.
Superintendent Robert Belluzzo requested between $30,000 and $40,000
to begin the process of installing security cameras in designated
locations around the district as soon as possible. Board members
gave a unanimous nod during the special meeting preceded by a working
session Wednesday.
“We’ve checked into a few different kinds of security
systems, and it appears that cameras are the way to go,” said
Belluzzo. “We know it won’t disallow vandalism or break-ins
from occurring, but they will assist us in finding the culprits.”
The measure comes a few weeks following a major break-in and vandalism
incident at the High School, which resulted in more than $5,000
of damage was done.
Vandals gained unauthorized, non-forced access to the High School
during early morning hours of Saturday, March 4. District officials
found the damage, which included a substantial amount of broken
glass beside the doors to several classrooms.
It was also determined that access had been gained to the Community
Education office, the kitchen and nurse’s office, where student
medications were discovered missing. Several other items were also
reportedly stolen.
Only days after the incident, the school board approved offering
a $250 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction
of the person or persons responsible for the damage.
Belluzzo said Wednesday the monetary reward did spur leads but
has yet to come to any conclusion. The incident remains under investigation.
A few of the Hibbing schools have been broken into, vandalized
and robbed over the school year.
Director Tony Kuznik motioned for approval, and was seconded by
Director Dave Cicmil.
“One reason I’m voting for this is because just the
sight of a camera can also help deter behavior problems and aid
in the case of vandalism,” said Kuznik.
Belluzzo concurred, adding that such was noticed by administrators
of other schools in which cameras are already in use. He said their
presence also curbs daily acts of vandalism.
“It’s costly, but I think it’s necessary,”
he added.
Belluzzo also spoke about having visited Nashwauk-Keewatin High
School, where about 35 continually-scanning cameras are placed both
inside and outside of the building.
The initial funding would allow for roughly 16 cameras to be installed
in the lower level of the High School. More would be added to the
school in the future as well as other district buildings would be
considered for such a system.
“With the money we have now, we’ll want to get the
most bang for our buck,” said Belluzzo, while noting $6,000
from a Safe and Drug-Free Schools grant can be put toward the purchase.
Joe Arthurs, district supervisor of buildings and grounds, said
school officials have performed a walk-through of the High School
with a local designer and installer of security systems to gather
input.
Arthurs said he felt that covering the first floor of the High
School would be adequate as they work toward building the system.
He was directed by Kuznik to consult with all local security system
providers.
Director Ed LaTendresse also suggested seeking funds from the district’s
insurance provider.
“Weighing the costs and payback on this — it’s
hard,” he said. “If you look at it from the potential
of what could have been hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage
out there, I’d think the insurance company would want to do
something to assist us.”
Business Manager Scott Wirtanen said that was unlikely. Cicmil
said it’s at least worth making a phone call.
In other business, school board members:
• Accepted the American Indian Education Transmittal of Resolution
and Parent Committee Roster and directed to the superintendent to
submit the required documentation to the Minnesota Department of
Education.
• Reviewed the proposed 2006-07 school calendar. Belluzzo
is expected to bring it back for action at the next school board
meeting on April 5. Those involved in devising the calendar include
representatives of the bargaining unit, the district staff development
council and administrators.
• Entertained a presentation on the focus and offerings of
Community Education by director Linda Arnebeck and Citizen Advisory
Council members Dan Marich and Roy Smith.
• Went into closed session to discuss contract negotiations
strategy.
http://www.hibbingmn.com/dailytribune/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=208491
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