By James Lomuscio
With the Board of Finance’s unanimous approval of a school board $500,000 request tonight, educators are hopeful that all first floor windows and doors at Westport’s eight public schools will be covered this summer with a 3M film to slow down access for those who would do harm to children and teachers.
Elio Longo, school business administrator, discusses school security at the Board of Finance meeting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The matter now has to go to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for final approval.
In late April, the RTM approved a $200,000 Board of Education request for the installation of 1,425 high security, classroom locks recommended by Kroll Security, Inc. in response to concerns generated by the Newtown school shootings almost a year-and-a-half ago.
“The fact is this cost will cover fully all windows and doors on the first floor,” Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said about the appropriation from the town’s general fund balance.
Landon added that the clear film would be affixed with “a very special caulking that adheres to windows and doors where it is virtually impossible to break through the glass.”
Police Chief Dale Call and Deputy Fire Chief Robert Kepchar, who have been working with school officials and Kroll on school security, showed their support for the appropriation. They said it would slow intruders down so police could arrive before intruders get inside.
Call pointedly noted that he had recommended to Landon a month after the Newtown shooting that installation of the window film be made. Westport police were not initially consulted by Landon in his search for a security firm.
In the Dec. 14, 2012 Newtown Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting that claimed 26 lives, the killer reportedly shot his way in quickly through unprotected glass.
“The goal here is simply to delay?” asked Tom Lasersohn, finance board member.
“That’s correct,” said Kepchar.
“We’ve been pretty strong proponents of this,” said Call. “The point is slow them down.”
Finance board member Michael Rea asked if the wire mesh reinforced glass, though unsightly, would be a better option.
“Not only is it unsightly, but it’s cost prohibitive,” said Elio Longo, the school system’s business administrator.
John Pincavage, finance board chairman, asked if the film would also make it more difficult for first responders to get into the school. Kepchar answered that first responders have other means to gain access.
Landon, who admitted that he and the board have been criticized for dragging on implementing security measures, pointed out that other school systems that have put in window film only did so at school entrances.
“We did not want to do anything precipitously,” he said.
Longo noted that other benefits of the 3M film are that it will dramatically reduce ultraviolet rays, save energy and that it is hurricane tested.
“I look forward to moving forward with this product for the security of our students and staff,” said Longo.
