The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

December 16, 2008

Fifteen Raleigh schools to get security access control systems

Jackie Ayres

The Raleigh County Board of Education approved on Tuesday the immediate installation of security access control systems in 15 schools.

All middle and high schools in the county, as well as Clear Fork, Coal City, Ghent, Marsh Fork and Fairdale elementary schools will be getting the high-tech security systems and security signage installed through funding from the state School Building Authority.

The high-tech electronic access systems have vast capabilities including electronic locks, cameras and keyless entry on exterior doors.

Superintendent Dr. Charlotte Hutchens said they prioritized which schools would receive the security systems first based on most preeminent need.

“All the secondary schools (were selected), because that’s where we usually have a higher incidence of problems,” Hutchens said.

She said the elementary schools were chosen because they’re, “outlying schools that don’t have as much police protection as other schools.” And Coal City was selected because of its proximity to Independence Middle and Independence High School, where the systems will be installed as a “campus.”

Board president Ri-chard Snuffer says he’s very pleased with, “where we came from having nothing — to where we’re at.”

The board intends to install the systems in every school in Raleigh County as soon as the funding becomes available. The projects will begin immediately, and should be completed by May 1.

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In other news from Tuesday’s regular meeting:

- The board voted to approve Patricia Day as the new principal of Beckley Elementary School. Currently a teacher at the school, Day will begin her new position on January 5.

- All Raleigh County Title 1 schools received the Title 1 Distinguished School award this year. To receive the award, a school must make AYP for three consecutive years and meet and exceed the state standard in reading and math. Board members presented Beckley, Bradley, Clear Fork, Coal City, Cranberry-Prosperity, Crescent, Fairdale, Ghent, Lester, Mabscott, Marsh Fork, Sophia-Soak Creek, Stanaford and Stratton Elementary with a framed certificate of appreciation.

- Larry Ford announced that Charlie Houck, executive vice president of City National Bank, would be the chairman of the Levy Approval Committee. “We want to make sure the levy passes, so we wanted to sign up someone to help and have vested interest in it,” Ford said. The board is asking for the community’s support in passing the levy, which will be up for vote in February 2009.

— E-mail:

jayres@register-herald.com





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