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Local law enforcement leaders provide safety recommendations

Superintendent Wade Smith briefed school board members on highlights of a recent district-wide safety and security review conducted by Sheriff John Turner and Chief of Police Scott Bieber. The study was commissioned by the Community Facilities Task Force, chaired by local businessman and Graduate of Distinction recipient Paul Schneidmiller. This local review supports a comprehensive safety audit the district conducted last spring. Sheriff Turner and Chief Bieber offered practical solutions to safety concerns including better signage, standardized visitor check-in systems, cameras, tinted glass, improved communications systems and staff training. Superintendent Smith said the report will be helpful as the Task Force proceeds.  

“These recommendations include physical and non-physical improvements based on current open campus designs,” said Smith. “The Facilities Task Force and its site-based committees are heeding this local guidance as they consider pragmatic physical improvements to campuses to ensure student, staff and visitor safety as they work towards capital recommendations for board and community input and feedback starting in late fall of 2017 in preparation for a potential November 2018 bond measure.”

Task Force members will continue their work in July by studying bond financing options and continuing to look at design solutions.

Safety and Security Recommendations at a glance:

(complete report online: http://www.wwps.org/fp/facilities-planning-overview)

- Improved signage

- Ability for teachers to communicate quickly with office and support staff in case of an emergency

- Enhanced cameras

- Install tinted ("one way") safety glass when replacing aged Wa-Hi windows

- Establish district-wide visitor check in procedures

- Additional training for staff and students  on prevention and detection

- Vestibule entrances when remodel or capital improvements are being considered

Task Force Membership

Paul Schneidmiller (Chair)           

Tony Cabasco

Jim Dumont                   

Roger Esparza

Darcy Fugman-Small      

Chris Garratt

Don Holbrook                

Dean Lodmell

Linda Newcomb             

Jim Peterson

Phil Shivell                    

Craig Sievertsen

Casey Waddell               

Jerry Zahl

Keith Swanson               

John Kiefel

Peter Swant                   

Randy Glaeser

Dick Moeller                   

Kara Schulke

Non-Voting Members

• Derek Sarley, School Board      

• Ruth Ladderud, School Board

• Wade Smith Superintendent      

• Mark Higgins, Communications Director

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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