South Carroll Special School District
By Ron Park
Staff Writer
Deputy Tommy Decanter, school resource officer (SRO) with the South Carroll Special School District, advised members of the Board of Education about possible measures to increase the level of security and safety at Clarksburg School during the July 21 board meeting.
The board took action on one of Decanter’s recommendations, unanimously approving his request that additional keys be made for highway deputies with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department, so that these deputies would be able to make entrance into the school facility in case of an emergency.
Decanter said he will also give these other deputies a blueprint of the school building.
According to Decanter, work is planned to remove some trees and trim some bushes around the school campus in order to reduce the amount of cover and concealment someone with ill intent would have while approaching the school.
Decanter recommended that an extra set of security doors be installed at the main front entrance, creating an extra barrier to pass through when visitors buzz in. Director of Schools Lisa Norris said she plans to keep an extra school staff member posted there throughout the day, but she added that the extra doors would be safer.
Other recommendations by Decanter included purchasing metal detector wands to check student backpacks, putting a fence around the playground area, putting up some parking stops in strategic places, and reducing the number of entrances students and staff use regularly.
“We have a safe school here, but we can always do better,” said Decanter.
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In other business:
•High school Ag teacher Michael Stafford and junior Jade Jones gave a presentation before the board about a conference several Clarksburg Future Farmers of America (FFA) members attended in early July at Camp Clements in Doyle. Stafford said it was a great experience for his students, and they all came back with an award. Sophomore FFA member Josiah Follett was also at the board meeting, but did not speak.
•Norris advised the board that, as of earlier that day, the schools total enrollment was right at 320, up 17 students from this time last year.
•The board gave first reading approval to board policy updates on safety, the Emergency Preparedness Plan, and community use of school facilities. The board also voted to delete an existing policy dealing with risk management.
•Minor changes to the student handbook were approved.
•Norris advised the board that J & M Roofing has had to delay planned roofing repairs due to supply chain issues. She said they are expecting the needed materials to be delivered around Aug. 15.
•Norris said the problem of water collecting under certain parts of the school facility has been corrected and that this project was covered by federal funding.
•The board was advised that work is underway to make improvements to the softball field.
•The board was given a copy of student scores on state assessment tests from last year and advised that Clarksburg students, particularly those in elementary grades, did very well compared to other area schools.
