School security officers may be hired and posted in each of Darien’s elementary schools, Superintendent Alan Addley said in his most recent weekly letter to parents and staff.
The idea is coming up for discussion at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, along with other measures to enhance security at all of Darien’s schools.
The board considers new security measures regularly, with an annual review, Addley said. “Most recently, the Board of Education and administration have been engaged in detailed discussions about specific safety and security enhancements that include the hiring of school security officers at all the elementary schools.”
The phrase “school security officers” is used in many school districts to mean a variety of different jobs, including police officers and non-police guards. Addley didn’t indicate whether or not the “school security officers” would be police officers, which have posted in the high school and Middlesex Middle School.
“‘School Security Recommendations’ is on the board agenda for its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Materials for this meeting will be posted Monday, Sept. 26 on the district website,” Addley said in the announcement.
The Board of Education will meet at 7:30 p.m. in the school district offices at 35 Leroy Ave. (At 7 p.m., the board will start an executive session to discuss school security.) For security reasons, district administration and board discussions about security matters typically don’t cover certain details in public discussions or public documents.
“In consultation with the Darien Police Department, improvements in school safety personnel, protocols, and the physical infrastructure have been made over a period of many years,” Addley said.
Addley also mentioned that schools will be closed for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish holiday, and he provided a web link to a Fairfield County walk in Westport to raise recognition and money for suicide prevention.
If You’re Going, or Watching Online …
According to the meeting agenda, posted on the district website:
“The Board of Education meeting will be available to the public in person and via Zoom. Wearing of masks is optional and seating is limited by room capacity. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. for the 7 p.m. meeting.
“The Board will move to adjourn into executive session and reconvene into public session at 7:30 p.m.
“Those members of the community wishing to participate in public comment may join the meeting via Zoom.
“Those members of the community wishing to view only, should do so through the Darien Youtube link.
“In order to reduce audio interference, members of the community are requested not to simultaneously view by Youtube while participating on Zoom.
Full Text of Addley’s Letter
Sept. 23, 2022
Dear Families & Staff,
Welcome to fall, a beautiful time of year in New England.
Darien parents entrust us with their most cherished possessions every day. We continue our appreciation for all that our teachers and staff do to connect with children, inspire and, most of all, protect them. As we have often stated, the safety of the children and staff is always the top priority of the Board of Education and administration.
In consultation with the Darien Police Department, improvements in school safety personnel, protocols, and the physical infrastructure have been made over a period of many years and are reviewed by the Board of Education on an annual basis.
Most recently, the Board of Education and administration have been engaged in detailed discussions about specific safety and security enhancements that include the hiring of school security officers at all the elementary schools.
“School Security Recommendations” is on the board agenda for its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Materials for this meeting will be posted Monday, Sept. 26 on the District website. We thank you in advance for the important contributions you will make to this discussion on school and student safety.
As National Suicide Prevention Month draws to a close, in collaboration with the Town of Darien’s Human Services, the District is pleased to share information on the Out Of The Darkness Community Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
The focus of this Fairfield County walk provides an opportunity to unite community members in efforts to fight suicide, raise awareness, educate the community, and support those who have lost loved ones.
For additioanl information and registration, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention registration page.
School is closed on Monday in recognition of Rosh Hashanah. We wish a happy and healthy new year to our families and staff who will be celebrating the holiday.
Sincerely, Alan Addley, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools