School Safety and Security Update

 

As you know, school safety and security is and has always been a priority in The Somerset Hills School District.   Last week I sent out a notification about new visitor security procedures at each of our schools.   Throughout the past few weeks I have met with the board of education, my administrative team, other NJ superintendents, security experts and law enforcement agencies.   I realize that the safety of our students and staff is a major concern for all of us, and I would like to share some additional information resulting from those meetings. Please understand that some security measures must be kept confidential for them to be effective; however, I will share information about our procedures whenever possible.

• Each school has a very detailed School Safety and Security Manual, which contains the most recent directives from the New Jersey Department of Education. The manuals were written with the assistance from local, county and state law enforcement agencies. Each manual was updated this fall and reviewed for compliance.
• All administrators and staff receive training each year on the implementation of our security procedures.
• Two safety and security drills are conducted while the students are present monthly at each school. These drills follow very detailed state guidelines and are monitored by law enforcement personnel.
• Each of our schools has a School Emergency Response Team. Team members have gone through extensive training provided by a variety of law enforcement agencies. Although these teams are not a requirement, they were established several years ago in an effort to enhance our security.
• The district has established an excellent relationship with the four police departments that make up our regional district. Police patrols each day have been increased around the perimeter of our schools and officers conduct daily random walk-throughs of the interiors.
• The district employs a fulltime school security officer who is a retired officer from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.
• Emergency communication systems enable administrators and staff members to communicate within each school, between schools, to all schools/offices at once and directly with the police and local emergency responders.
• Each school is equipped with electronic "buzz in" systems with video surveillance.
• All visitors must sign in, provide photo identification, state the purpose of the visit and sign out. A visitor log is maintained at each school.
• All exterior doors are locked throughout the day and routine checks are conducted.
• Law enforcement and emergency responders can be rapidly notified and have full access to our facilities.
• Electronic surveillance systems are in place.
• Rapid parent notification systems are in place both in-house and from remote locations.

 

In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to focus on any additional enhancements to our existing security protocol.   Please be assured that the safety of our school community remains our highest priority.

 

Pete Miller

Superintendent