Ramsey March 6, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 After hearing a recent presentation on proposed security updates for Ramsey High School, the Ramsey Board of Education has decided to dedicate money from the capital reserve fund to this project. Plans call for the installation of a video surveillance system throughout the building and a visitor registration station at the main entrance of the high school. However, the school budget is still being finalized, and must still be approved by the school board – and ultimately submitted to the public for a vote on April 16. Trustee Jim Meiman, who chaired the committee that has been reviewing school security since 2012 – well before the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut – confirmed that the board has agreed to pursue the new security system. “If the budget is approved (at the polls), the board has said this is one of the priorities to be addressed,” Meiman said. He pointed out that the board’s Finance Committee has budgeted the funds to completely cover the cost of installing the video surveillance and visitor registration station. The security system being proposed for Ramsey High would bring 80 to 90 surveillance cameras to the school. The cameras would be installed at various locations inside and outside the building. Meiman explained that the security system also includes a way to check the driver’s licenses of visitors to the school building. In January, the committee that reviewed school security advised the full school board Security system included in 2013-14 school budget 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 that allows students to leave for lunch during the school day. 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 that would cost approximately $300,000 to $330,000. Promedia is a vendor on state contract, which means the company has been preapproved to work in New Jersey school districts, and no public bid is needed. Meiman previously indicated that the $330,000 cost estimate could be reduced by approximately 10 percent if the district uses some of its existing technology infrastructure. Those who heard the proposal had questions about how the system would be monitored, and how images from the cameras would be reviewed. After the meeting, Meiman 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. If this project receives all of the necessary approvals, the installations would be completed over the summer. The committee on security was formed by John Nunziata, the board’s past president. Members include Meiman, Tim Finnegan, Richard Muti, Board President Anthony Gasparovich, parents, and staff. Officially open Eye Level Learning Center recently celebrated the Grand Opening of its new location at 246 Franklin Turnpike, Suite 5 in Ramsey’s Ramapo Valley Medical Center. Pictured are Owner/ Director Jim Lockard and Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta cutting the ribbon as Ramsey Chamber of Commerce President Rob Tilton looks on.