Security kiosks receive South Putnam approval

The South Putnam School Board recently approved stand-alone kiosks, like the one shown, which would be connected to a visitor management system.

Courtesy SafeVisitor Solutions

As the only consideration in a meeting that took less than 15 minutes, the South Putnam School Board approved a new security measure Wednesday evening.

Each school building in the corporation is to have stand-alone kiosks which would be part of a cloud-based management system. Visitors would scan their diver’s license, after which staff would be notified of their being on the premises.

According to SafeVisitor Solutions, the vendor which will provide the kiosks, the system would be linked to the National Sex Offender Registry, as well as manage an excluded parties list. Staff and volunteers would also be badged.

“These devices are already in schools all throughout the country and all throughout the state as well, and have an efficient interface and experience for our school visitors,” Supt. Corey Smith said.

Though a specific cost was not stated, Smith said the kiosks and associated expenses would be covered by South Putnam’s Secured School Safety Grant.

It was noted that the standing kiosks, as opposed to wall-mounted ones, were optimal should they need to be moved.

Smith said training for staff would occur with the kiosks being acquired within a month, after which that for visitors would happen by the end of the school year.

In other business:

• The board approved canceling outstanding checks more than two years old. What they were meant for was not stated by Smith or the board.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month: Wren Ames (Central Elementary), Jessa Wood (Fillmore Elementary), Joslyn Bumgardner (South Putnam Middle School) and Mark Bumgardner (South Putnam High School).

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignation: David Husk - bus driver;

• Termination: Haleigh Dunn - MS/HS custodian;

• Employment: Jamie Birkemeier - Central Elementary teacher filling maternity leave (through end of school year); Joyce Jensen - Fillmore Elementary teacher filling maternity leave (through March 17); Kevin Rounds - middle school assistant principal/assistant athletic director; Debbie Steffy - middle school swim coach; and Thomas Champion - play director.

With Corporation Treasurer Hilarie Logan absent, Smith was joined by Deputy Treasurer Terri Beasley and the entire board.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is set for Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the music room at Central Elementary.