NEWS

VEA offers input on Vineland schools security

Deborah M. Marko
The Daily Journal

VINELAND - The Vineland Education Association hasn’t taken an official position on armed guards in district schools but “applaud any efforts to make our schools safer,” said Louis Russo, the union president.

Tom Ulrich, a retired Vineland Police captain, is urging the school district to hire retired law enforcement officers and post them at each school entrance to enhance security.

The idea was first proposed by then school board member Joseph Pagano in November 2016 but later scrapped due to budget constraints.

With school shootings continuing to make headlines, Ulrich called the armed guards a step toward maintaining schools as “safe havens.”

“While that may help with outside invaders, we also agree with those who spoke of the need to prevent student-initiated violence with greater social services: counselors, peer mediation, mental health services and intervention,” Russo said. “This area has been subject to staff reduction the last several budget years.”

The placing of armed guards in schools is up to the board of education and the community, Russo said, noting the VEA members trust law enforcement officers with their specialized training.

“We do not support any efforts to arm teachers or other school employees,” Russo said.

As noted by board member Ulrich at the last school board meeting, that is currently not permitted in New Jersey.

During his travels throughout the school district, Russo said he’s noticed “significantly improved” security measures in recent years.

With “double, locking doors at front entrances, locked perimeter doors, security and identification requirements, drills, and mandatory reporting of harassment, intimidation and bullying — our schools are much safer and secure than ever before,” Russo said.

Most district schools have double-locked doors at their entrances. Visitors are buzzed into the school and “held” in a foyer. They must show a photo ID and speak with a security official before they’re admitted through a second set of locked doors into the school.

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Most schools have these double doors. Petway Elementary and Wallace Intermediate schools are set to have the doors installed, said Wayne Weaver, the district facilities director.

With the multiple entrances at the Sabater Elementary/Dallago Preschool complex, Weaver said the district is planning to add another set of double-lock doors there as well.

The Lincoln Avenue Middle School, set to open in September, also has this safety feature, he said.

Russo, a Vineland High School teacher, did offer district officials feedback on the security plan.

“One recommendation I would make is that the high school complex is the only school at which students travel to classes by going outside,” he said. Students walk between the north and south buildings.

“It may be time for us to debate ending that practice, as it puts students into possible jeopardy each time and opens the door — under the supervision of security — each period,” Russo said.

The VEA represents teachers and other support staff, including clerical workers, nurses, guidance counselors, librarians, physical therapists, speech therapists, social workers, substance abuse counselors and learning disabilities teacher consultants.

Deborah M. Marko: @dmarko_dj; 856-563-5256; dmarko@gannettnj.com

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