New Security Measures in Place at Port Chester Schools, More to Come

If you planning a visit to a Port Chester public school, be prepared for new security measures that have been put in place since the deadly shootings in .

Schools superindent Edward Kliszus and Port Chester school board members said Wednesday night that security changes have been made at the schools and that more are coming as school officials, police and insurance experts review steps needed for the local schools.

Schools district workers have already been assigned as "greeters" at schools, checking identification of people coming to Port Chester schools. The school board on Monday approved a special agreement with a union for the district that allows for the new assignments.

Kliszus said district workers agreed to the security steps pending the passaged of a formal pact approved by the school board.

While the new greeters are a visible measure already taken, Kliszus said the district is not publicly discussing some other steps already taken as a result of the advice of Port Chester and Rye Brook police. Several meetings to discuss school security and safety have taken place between the district and police and more are planned.

"We are taking a measured approach to security rather than a knee-jerk reaction," said school board president James Dreves.

Dreves noted that with a renewed focus on safety and security, members of the community will notice changes at schools, especially if they are attending events such as concerts or games. He noted that a key for improving safety and security at the schools will be cooperation from the community.

In addition to more meetings with local police, Kliszus said the district during the rest of the current school year will have two "lockdown" drills at schools instead of just one that would normally take place. Those drills are done in conjunction with police.

The district is also meeting with its insurers and school safety consultants for their expert recommendations for Port Chester schools.

The school board on Wednesday also approved a measure that urges New York State to provide funding for school resource officers — local police officers who are assigned to schools, usually high schools. Kliszus said that if funding were available, Port Chester would considering having school resource officers.