South Putnam board approves camera, access control upgrades

Provided as the last part of its Secured School Safety Grant, the South Putnam School Board approved upgrades to cameras and access controls corporation-wide Wednesday evening.

Supt. Corey Smith said the upgrades would be compatible with South Putnam’s current system in each school building. He added that real-time access would be available for law enforcement.

Adding to South Putnam’s administration office, the board also approved what Smith said is triple-tiered access for each building’s office. This part is to also be compatible with the current system and work with the new camera upgrade.

Maintenance Supervisor Jared Hutcheson added that key fobs would be transfered over for staff. While alarms would activate if a door is left ajar, he said a camera could be programed to switch a monitor to a specific area.

Both packages will be facilitated through Wireless Networking Solutions of Lafayette.

Smith did not state, nor did the board inquire about, the quotes or potential associated costs for the upgrades. However, Smith said the new access controls would eliminate ongoing monitoring fees.

In other business:

• The board approved the use of facilities at Belle Union and Fillmore by South Putnam’s youth league. This is a yearly request.

• The board approved publishing notices for public hearings on March 13 and April 12. The board is to discuss an upcoming project related to ongoing renovations throughout the corporation.

The board also recognized South Putnam’s Students of the Month: Makenli Benton (Central Elementary), Kai Tarver (Fillmore Elementary), Addy Thibodeau (South Putnam Middle School) and Elisia Hernandez (South Putnam High School).

The board also approved the following personnel report:

• Resignation: Anthony Duncan - Fillmore Elementary custodian;

• Maternity leave: Janet Zimmerman - MS/HS English teacher (May 1-Oct. 23); and

• Employment: Tim Parrish - Fillmore Elementary custodian; Jill Newton - middle school girls’ track coach; Elaine Bye - middle school cross country coach; and Sandra Thomas - bus driver.

With Corporation Treasurer Hilarie Logan absent, Executive Secretary Terri Beasley joined Smith and the entire board for the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the South Putnam School Board is set for Wednesday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in the music room at Central Elementary.