$100,000 Westport School Security Audit Up for Vote

There have been two school security lockdowns in Westport and Weston over the course of one week.

Last week a high-speed police chase ended at a stolen Jeep and fled on foot. Weston High School was placed on lockdown and students were evacuated Wednesday after the school received an “unconfirmed threat.”

The Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will vote Tuesday on an appropriation for a $50,000 school security audit. Pending that approval, the RTM will vote on an additional $50,000 appropriation for the audit, which was requested by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Elliot Landon. 

Earlier this month the Board of Finance unanimously approved a $100,000 appropriation for the school security.

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In January, the finance board approved a $50,000 funding request for a professional audit that will provide recommendations to enhance security in all Westport public schools, a decision that was prompted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown.

The cost of the study was later increased by an additional $50,000 following a decision to have it directed by local police and educators.

The new security model will require that police and educators meet on a regular basis to share information.

If approved by the RTM at its March 5 meeting, Kroll Advisory Solutions will be the firm to work with the Westport Police Department and Westport educators to ensure that our schools and busses are as safe as possible.