Orange County NC Website
19 <br /> Dr. Hamlett said that the work of the task force focuses on school safety rather than <br /> school resource officers. She said that they are speaking with different groups, including <br /> students, to determine what it means to be safe in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. She said <br /> the feedback has emphasized mental health and social emotional learning needs. She said <br /> they are doing safety walkthroughs of all buildings. <br /> Chair Deon Temne invited the Board of Commissioners to do a walkthrough of the <br /> buildings. <br /> Dr. Felder said that student and staff safety is a priority in Orange County Schools. <br /> Nick Mincey, Director of Construction and Facilities at Orange County Schools, <br /> resented the following slide: <br /> SCHOOL <br /> 1. Focus on interior and exterior door security to ensure all doors are <br /> able to be locked <br /> 2. Radio system upgrades <br /> 3. Air Purifiers and PPE <br /> 4. Traffic Review/Roadway Safety in School Zones <br /> a. Carpool congestion and accidents are concerns <br /> i. Orange High Sch Road & New Grady Brown Sch Rd <br /> b. Walk zones <br /> i. Designated walk zones will need Crossing Guards (funding?) <br /> 5. Intercom system improvements and renovations <br /> 6. Drills and plan awareness with fully occupied buildings <br /> CHALLENGE. INSPIRE. <br /> Dr. Felder said there are staffing shortages in the trades such as locksmiths and <br /> plumbers. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked when the safety audit results for Chapel Hill Carrboro <br /> City Schools will be discussed. <br /> Chair Deon Temne said that specific safety weaknesses are not shared due to safety <br /> concerns. <br /> Dr. Hamlett said that information from the audit will be used in the budget development <br /> process. <br /> Commissioner Richards said she was looking forward to hearing more how they can <br /> improve the safety of campuses. <br /> Chair Deon Temne said that the community should understand that school campuses <br /> should not be accessed recreationally during school hours. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said she knows funds have been allocated for facility repairs and <br /> that those would address safety needs. She asked if safety needs are being addressed in the <br /> use of those funds. <br /> Chair Deon Temne said yes. He said that there will be other needs that will be <br /> presented as they improve the safety plans. He said there will also be needs that are shown <br /> that exceed the funds available. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if that will be part of the Capital Improvement Plan budget <br /> to use those funds. <br /> Dr. Hamlett said yes. She said that there will be over $7.9 million in safety measures <br /> over a ten-year period. <br />