Heights Parents, School Heads Await Results of Security Assessment

Hasbrouck Heights parents and school leaders can expect to learn more about what steps may be taken to make schools safer within the next month.

A security assessment, which is being done by CDI, an outside consulting firm hired by the Board last month, is expected to be completed in April. According to Joe Rinke, Board president, a report of the assessment is expected in April.

The process began immediately after hiring the firm in mid-February. The consultants are currently reviewing the school's security policies, meeting with school administrators and police department officials, reported Rinke.

Rinke told parents at last week's Board of Education meeting, represidentatives from CDI are expected at the March 21 board meeting where they will discuss the review process.

The security assessment is being done as a way of giving the Board and administrators a foudation to work with towards improving security.

Since the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. in December, Heights school immediately began to revisit their security policies and implement some immediate forms of improved security while working with the police department.

One of the immediate measures put in place is having police officers stop in the school buildings periodically each day when time allows.

Several parents have come together as one group called Hasbrouck Heights Parents for Safe Schools hoping to work with the school board and municipality towards making schools safer.

The group has been taking their plea for a full-time police officer at each of the schools to the school board and municipality. The parents say with the frighteningly large amount of school shootings which take place each year, a police officer on site would be the best option in any emergency situation.