WESTFIELD – During public participation at the School Committee meeting on Monday, Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy, liaison to the committee, reminded members and the public that the public hearing on the FY19 city budget will be held on Wednesday, June 20 at 6 p.m. in City Council chambers. He urged residents to come out in support of the programs that are important to them.
Chief Financial Officer Ronald R. Rix reviewed financial statements and end of year transfers. He said there is a healthy balance in the School Choice account, which is funded by revenue from students that choice into Westfield Public Schools, and brings in approximately $800,000 every year. School Choice funds may be spent on the education program, improving facilities, and transportation, among other items according to Rix, who said they use $500,000 of the funds towards transportation annually.
Due to the remaining balance, Rix said the district will be using School Choice funds to improve security at staff entrances at all the schools. He said all staff members have a fob with an ID card on it. Working with internet technology, they will be purchasing software and installing hardware on all the doors that will allow employees to scan their ID cards for entry into the schools. “This will allow us to keep our doors locked at all times,” Rix said, providing controlled access into the building. Currently, doors are open at certain times for staff.
Rix said the cost is $191,000; $6,000 for the management software package, and an average cost of $5,000 to $7,000 per door. Rix said they will be equipping 27 doors in all eleven schools with the hardware.
Rix said it will also track everyone coming in and out of the buildings, and can be used for time management, replacing time cards. Rix said the system will be strictly for staff and Phys Ed classes going in and out of the building. The front entrances and protocol for the public to gain access to the schools will remain the same.
School Committee vice chair Kevin Sullivan said he wished the funds weren’t coming from School Choice, and asked whether there would be recurring costs. Rix said no, and added that the price was much less than he had anticipated. He said the system is identical to the one used at City Hall.
Ramon Diaz, Jr. said he supported the safety measure, but also expressed concern about using School Choice funds. He asked whether they would have the usual $500,000 remaining for next year. “We’re still going to have $800,000,” he said, referring to what will come in next year from School Choice, including the $500,000 towards transportation. He said School Choice funds come in quarterly.
Rix also said they are able to implement the program because of the recent work the district has done upgrading the technology infrastructure and the Wi-Fi density at the schools, which has also allowed them to invest in 2,000 Chromebooks, and recently, 24 interactive smart boards for the schools.
