Ramsey August 28, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 7 Security cameras & officer to be in place in September When Ramsey’s students return to school next month, they can expect to meet the district’s new safety and secu- rity officer. Last week, Ramsey School Board President Anthony Gasparovich reported that the district is on the verge of signing a contract with the new security officer. Gasparovich indicated that approximately 18 individu- als had applied for the position, and a committee of school board members interviewed the final two candidates. He said the offer has been made and the district is now await- ing the final signatures on the contract. He said the district wanted to hire a person, such as a retired police officer, who was qualified to carry a firearm. Gasparovich noted that, while the teachers do an excellent job of monitoring security within the schools, the district was looking for someone who would be focused on security as a primary task. “The officer is not just for the high school,” Gasparovich said, adding that the officer will be available to the entire district. However, he acknowledged that the high school is a primary concern because of that school’s open campus policy, which allows students at Ramsey High to leave the school property during their free periods. “Our objective is still the same: to have the officer on board at the beginning of the school year,” Gasparovich said, noting that the hiring of the security officer “was a long time coming.” He added that a Promedia video surveillance system is now being installed at the high school, and visitor access will be more carefully monitored when school reopens. The security system at Ramsey High includes dozens of surveillance cameras at various locations inside and outside the building. The system also includes a method of checking visitors’ driver’s licenses. In January, the committee that reviewed school security advised the full school board and members of the public of the results of its 10-month effort to identify the areas of greatest need. The committee identified the high school as its top priority, noting that the school has an open campus policy. In addition, the high school is used for programs that take place before and after regular school hours. Promedia of Little Falls submitted the proposal for the security network. This vendor is on state contract, which means the company has been pre-approved to work in New Jersey school districts, and no public bid was needed. Members of the public who heard the proposal had ques- tions about how the system would be monitored, and how images from the cameras would be reviewed. A school official explained that the camera images can easily be reviewed and, in the event of an emergency, the system could be instantly accessed by the local police department. The committee on security was formed by John Nun- ziata, the past president of the school board. Committee members include Gasparovich, Jim Meiman, Tim Finnegan, Richard Muti, several parents, and school staff members. School officials previously noted that the issue of school security has been under review since 2012, well before the December 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. After that shooting, however, Ramsey was prompted to take additional action. Earlier this year, former Ramsey Superintendent Bruce DeYoung noted, “We took immediate steps to lock down our buildings more securely.” He added that those who use the before and after school care programs must now be “buzzed in” to the school, and staff supervision of the building has been increased during the day. Those who are buzzed in to the school building must also check in and receive a pass. School officials have also met with the Ramsey Police Department for planning purposes.