SCHOOLS TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL SAFETY FUNDS

PARKERSBURG - Schools in Wood County are eligible to receive more
than $20,000 in security systems this year as part of the federal
Safe & Drug-Free Schools program. Dianne Boggess, coordinator of the
Wood County Safe & Drug-Free Schools program, said schools
may apply for the federal funds until March 1 to purchase camera
systems, metal detectors and communications systems to help them
better monitor and secure their facilities. This is the sixth year
the federal funds have been available for area schools and $20,512.51
has been allocated for the equipment purchases.

However, the money does come with strings attached, Boggess said.
Any purchases much be in line with a school's comprehensive drug and
violence prevention program and their use must support one or more
of the programs goals. The areas targeted by the Safe & Drug-Free
Schools program are use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco and school violence.

Schools must be able to show the purchases would help reduce one of
four problem areas targeted by the program: Drugs, alcohol, tobacco
or violence.

"It is not like a school security system where you are protecting
the building," she said. "It is a security system that is making the
school more safe for kids by looking at places where kids are during
the day. "

The local program also is only permitted to spend 20 percent of its
more than $100,000 budget on security systems, so the number of
schools that may benefit is limited.

"We try to accommodate as many of the requests as possible,"
provided they meet the guidelines, Boggess said.

Last year several area school received security upgrades through the
program, including new camera system at Parkersburg High, Lubeck
Elementary and Martin Elementary schools. Emerson Elementary
expanded its camera system while Jefferson Elementary received new
radios to help with communications. Waverly Elementary purchased new
walkie talkies, she said.

Many schools also purchase recording devices to improve their camera
systems, allowing them to record and review footage in select areas
of the schools.

"It doesn't take the place of teachers being out in the hallways,
but it does monitor problem areas in the schools," she said.

Lawrence Hasbargen, assistant superintendent of maintenance and
facilities, said the extra funding means schools can personalize
their security systems to their own needs.

"It allows the schools to have the monies available to create a more
safe environment for their students," he said.

Hasbargen said the program also allows schools to purchase equipment
they might not otherwise be able to afford. Other security systems
are purchased using general maintenance funds, which often are limited.

"It does help stretch our maintenance budget," he said.

Most of the systems will be maintained by district personnel or
local contractors. Boggess said the cost of maintenance is not
covered under the federal dollars.