Local schools buzzed about new security arrangements

Starting this year, visitors to some Algoma District School Board schools may have to buzz in and smile for the camera.

At a committee-of-the-whole-meeting last night, trustees were updated on new security systems installed in some schools.

"In September 2005, [the board] received a grant from the ministry of education for the installation of vandal-proof closed-circuit video cameras, video monitors, two-way voice intercoms and remotely controlled locks," said Director of Education Mario Turco. "These have been installed in all elementary schools where there is no direct line of view to the front door of the school."

Turco is hoping parents and other visitors to schools with these new cameras will be patient.

"We're still trying to work the bugs out," he said. "Sometimes we hit a little snag."

At times, visitors may have to be patient while the person monitoring the camera identifies them and unlocks the door.

Turco also said that the board is looking for input from anyone with comments or suggestions on policies for the new security systems.

The following news release was issued by the board after last night's meeting:

************************* Review of policies and procedures demonstrates ongoing commitment to safety of students and staff

At the first Committee of the Whole meeting for the 2006/2007 school year held on Tuesday, September 26 the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) heard from superintendents and system administrators on a number of topics.

Review of policies and procedures

Currently, all ADSB policies and procedures are being reviewed with a view to updating and/or revising as needed.

As with all school boards, our policies and procedures address issues as wide-ranging as safety of students and staff; school operations and other issues such as use of cell phones on school property, first aid in schools and smoking on school property.

Emergency procedures, for instance, include detailed information on what to do in the event of a fire or power outage.

A recently created Emergency Procedures Handbook also outlines what ADSB staff should do in the event of a more serious threat, such as an armed intruder in a building, which would be a "code red, lock down" situation.

One of the most recently implemented policies covers the installation and use of security cameras in schools.

In September 2005, ADSB received a grant from the Ministry of Education for the installation of vandal-proof closed circuit video cameras, video monitors, two-way voice intercoms and remotely controlled locks.

These have been installed in all elementary schools where there is no direct line of view to the front door of the school.

New Teachers Induction Program (NTIP)

Trustees were also introduced more formally to NTIP — New Teachers Induction Program.

This is an exciting new initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Education and a requirement for all school boards to implement.

It is a school-based program that provides critical pieces of information to new teachers including orientation, mentoring and professional development.

In essence the NTIP provides new teachers with another full year of on-the-job training and provides a more meaningful approach to assessing teaching practices, which in turn will result in better-prepared and more confident teachers.

The intent is to support new teachers; to provide professional development that is specific to their needs: to provide mentoring from experienced teachers and principals; and to improve overall student learning.

Trustee remuneration

Superintendent of Business Bob Backstrom outlined the new trustee remuneration process for the four-year period from 2006 to 2010 based on information provided by the Ministry of Education regarding Honoraria for Board members.

The new level of honoraria is to be provided to all board members including First Nation representatives (not including student trustees).

As 2006 is a transition year, there are two different periods and two different levels of honorarium for each: the retroactive period September 1, 2005 to November 30, 2006; and the new term of office December 1, 2006 to November 30, 2010.

Input from the citizen's advisory committee is required prior to establishing both the retroactive amount and the amount to be paid during the new term of office.

Citizen advisory committee members are being sought through School Councils and principals of our schools.

The committee must consist of six people serving on school councils.

Three must be parent members and three must be community representatives.

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