The Catasauqua Area School District is focusing on security and updating security measures for the 2018-19 school year.

Catasauqua Area School District Superintendent Robert Spengler attended the Catasauqua Borough Council meeting Aug. 13 to voice his support for a dedicated resource officer for the district.

“In light of all that we saw at Parkland (Florida), this is particularly important,” he said.

According to Spengler, the district had no comprehensive security plan in place and has been discussing adding a resource officer for years, but the timing hasn’t been right - until now.

“We have allocated money for security, and the state is providing funds,” he said. “A resource officer is part of the security we need.”

Spengler further detailed the district’s need for enhanced security at the Aug. 14 Catasauqua Area School District Board of Education meeting.

One of the biggest priorities identified for the school district, Spengler said, was to implement more security measures to ensure the safety of the students, faculty and staff.

The resource officer will serve all the schools in the district and initiate programs such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and a Stranger Danger awareness program at Sheckler Elementary School.

The plan, as outlined by borough Police Chief Douglas Kish, is to schedule an officer for the start of the school year, Aug. 27. The officer would be paid by the school district but remain an employee of the police force.

“This works out well because we can use the officer for patrols when school is not in session,” Kish said.

Councilwoman Jessica Kroope suggested the resource officer could be used at the municipal park during the summer season.

Councilman Brian McKittrick was most concerned over the logistics.

“We are down two officers now and paying overtime to cover shifts. How are we going to cover for the resource officer?” he said.

Kish is banking on the Civil Service Commission acting quickly to fill holes in the force. At last reckoning, 18 officers took the test and are going through the agility test.

“We would be hiring three officers from the list,” Kish said.

Kish did emphasize the resource officer would be a full-time position. Officers under consideration for the resource officer position are experienced members of the force.

“We are not going to take someone new on the force and put them in the schools,” he said.

Kish indicated there is a mandatory training course for resource officers in October.

McKittrick asked about backup. Kish indicated a second officer would be trained as backup.

Spengler indicated the district may want two resource officers.

“We might need another one at the middle school. The buildings are far apart,” he said.

Councilman Eugene Schlegel asked about the Innovative Arts Academy Charter School.

“They are not affiliated with us,” Spengler said. “We hold the charter, but that is about the only connection we have.”

Kish indicated the academy has an assistant principal who handles most unruly student incidents.

“We do not have any problems at the academy,” Kish said. “The assistant principal is a former police officer and handles student situations well.”

Council unanimously approved the resource officer.

At the school board meeting, Karla Fryslin, instructional aide and librarian in the school district, wondered how it would work with Catasauqua High School being in Northampton.

Kish mentioned he is working with the Northampton Borough Police Department to allow a Catasauqua police officer to operate at the school.

Mayor Barbara Schlegel attended the school board meeting with Kish to show support as the board unanimously approved the resource officer position.

Spengler emphasized the importance of increased security measures and thanked borough council for approving the officer as well.

“I cannot say enough about the collaboration between the police department, the mayor, borough council and the school board,” Spengler said.

In an interview with The Press Aug. 20, Spengler outlined the additional security features being added for the new school year.

According to Spengler, the district is upgrading the entire school security system in all the school buildings and in the district office, as well as upgrading the door access system throughout the district. This will involve swipe cards and higher security.

Spengler said he is pleased the district will be including new enhancements in the mental health services offered to students.

“We are contracted with Salisbury Behavioral Health Inc. to provide proactive behavioral and mental health services for our students and families,” Spengler said.

The administration and faculty are also attending ongoing active shooter training, which will culminate in an active shooter simulation drill later in the year.

According to the superintendent, Safe Schools Committee meetings are regularly attended by representatives from the school district and school board, borough officials from Catasauqua and North Catasauqua, county officials from Lehigh and Northampton counties and EMS representatives.

At the Aug. 14 school board meeting, the board offered preliminary approval to add audio and video recordings on the district vehicles, such as buses and vans. Final approval is expected at the Sept. 11 meeting.

The district also updated its bullying prevention policy and takes part in the Olweus bullying prevention program.

Spengler reported staff participate in tabletop safety drills with emergency management. He also mentioned evacuation plans for each school building are being reviewed and practiced.

According to Spengler, there is nothing more important than the safety of the students, and he said he is proud of the steps being taken to move the district forward and make it a safer place for all.