The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Local News

Facebook

January 10, 2013

Catlin school hears about security measures

BY APRIL EVANS Commercial-News

CATLIN — Catlin School Board members heard Thursday about extra security measures that are being investigated in the district in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy.

Catlin High School Principal Kevin Thomas said there are already nine cameras spread throughout the two-building campus and that visitors are restricted to entering through just one door and must check in.

Since returning from break, school officials have also limited the number of entrances students use during the day. Students float between two buildings throughout their school day. Administrators want to have more control over those entrances, too.

Thomas has met with a security firm who suggested putting magnetized locks on a handful of doors that are used most during the day. All students and staff would then receive a magnetic FOB card allowing only them to enter. Student FOB cards would be activated during school hours only, and if anyone lost his or her card, it would be deprogrammed and a new one would be issued.

Thomas said they are continuing to look at the plan, which is projected to cost a substantial amount of money to initiate. He said security of the kids is their top objective.

At Catlin Elementary School, they too, are looking at increasing security measures. While the grade school already has a locked down front door and camera in place, they are looking at installing more cameras throughout that campus.

Also, Catlin police officers have had more of a presence in and around both schools since school started back in session.

In other business, board members heard that five candidates have filed to run for the four open school board seats this spring.

Current board members Perry Dable and Shane Meade are not running for re-election, while incumbents Jim Chandler and Tricia Keith are. Newcomers seeking election are Travis Pearman, Andrea Vanleer and Dave Dutton.

What’s next

The Catlin School Board meets at 7 p.m. February 14 at the unit office.

Text Only
Local News
E-edition
AP Video
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God' Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
NDN Video
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal The Hangover Baby All Grown Up Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life The all-new Xbox One RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you Reporter Cries Over Devastation Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school Robert Pattinson Moves Out
Must Read