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Date: 6/14/2022
MONSON – The Monson School Committee hosted a meeting on June 9, to provide an update on safety protocols and summer happenings.
Superintendent Cheryl Clarke started by saying they currently have about a dozen postings for various positions. She said some hires have already been made and will continue through the summer.
Clarke noted that the extended school year will start after July 4. She said all the staff is in place, along with a nurse.
Regarding safety, Clarke said she has received inquiries from parents on what can be done moving forward, such as adding more police officers within the schools. “This will be an ongoing discussion over summer,” said Clarke. She added that she has been meeting with Police Chief [Stephen] Kozloski every month or two, to discuss plans moving forward.
Clarke shared that Monson Public Schools will be applying for a grant, called the Community Oriented Policing Services Grant. “As part of that grant, you can purchase lighting, deterring measures, locks – anything that significantly approves security,” said Clarke. This grant is a part of the School Violence Prevention Program through the Department of Justice.
She went on to say that the district has been looking into summer projects, including purchasing door blockers, restraints and additional safety measures.
Clarke said they are going to be “ramping up” ALICE training, which stands for “alert, lockdown, inform, counter, evacuate.” She explained that ALICE has a portal that is available to all staff and families to go over training.
Clarke said ALICE training is filling fast, however, she is hopeful to host training this summer, before the 2022-23 school year begins.