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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-05-03, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2000. Seaforth high schools gets security cameras By Susan Hundertmark Special to The Citizen Security cameras installed recently at Seaforth District High School are part of a pilot-project to stop vandalism at Avon Maitland District schools, said Trustee Abby Armstrong. She said SDHS and Northwestern Secondary School in Stratford are the two sites chosen by board administration to install the cameras. “If they find the cameras deter vandalism, they’ll do it at more or all of the high schools,” said Armstrong. The board’s Facilities administrator Mike Rau said the four exterior cameras at Seaforth District High School and the two interior cameras in the board office will enhance the existing security system that has been in place at all Huron County schools for eight years. The exterior cameras take pictures of the driveways, parking lots and entrance of the school while the interior cameras scan the upper and lower hallways of the board office. The cameras sit on stand-by until motion trips the beam. Without them, the existing security system only activates if someone breaks into the school. Rau said SDHS has had two cases of extenor vandalism during the past year and a half when spray painting caused $3,000 and $1,500 in damages to the school. He said a vehicle was also abandoned at the lower exit door during the past 60 days. Rau said the security cameras, which the board bought for $10,000, will save the board money in the long run. “This is nothing new. We’ve had a security system since 1992 and before that we used to have high thefts and loss. We’ve had a significant reduction in vandalism and a significant reduction in insurance costs,” he said. Rau said the board is also considering the installation of security cameras at one of its elementary schools, which he would not name, where there has been a significant amount of vandalism. “This is not unique to Seaforth. We have had a problem with pilfering and vandalism throughout the system,” said Armstrong, adding that the cameras are not in response to the board’s recent decision to close the high school. Armstrong said she received one phone call from a Seaforth resident Legion hosts euchre Continued from page 2 Snyder and Mabel Glanville. Euchre was held Saturday with seven tables in play. First place winners were Laura Johnston and Mabel Coultes, second place was Stuart and Lois Chamney and third place was a tie between Jeanne Ireland and Elunid McNair and Joanne MacDonald and Lillian Appleby. Ladies’ lone hands winner was Edna McLellan and men's winner was Norm Dobson. Comrade Ross Duncan has been in hospital and we wish him well and home soon. Comrade John Rutledge is home and we wish him a speedy recovery. complaining about the cameras. SDHS School Council Chair Maureen Agar said she's never been informed by any school staff or students about the vandalism at the school. “Usually we talk about these things at school council meetings but it was never brought to my attention and $3,000 is a lot of spray paint. You'd think someone would have mentioned it,” she said. Agar said she’s heard a few comments on the street about the cameras but has not had any parents call to complain. “Most people are rolling their eyes and asking, ‘What next?”’ she said of local reaction to the cameras. SDHS Principal Jim Moore also said he has no knowledge of any incidents of vandalism happening at the high school since last September. “None of this has been reported to me. That doesn't mean it hasn't been reported directly from the head custodian to the board office,” he said. Moore adds that parents have been questioning hirn recently at parent-teacher night why the cameras are necessary. He said he’s been told the cameras are necessary because of the large amount of valuable equipment in the board office. Work to proceed on Work will get underway May 15 on the new Huron Bruce Commu­ nity Complex. Wingham council took the step to proceed with plans irregardless of the possibility that the town may have to borrow or debenture over $1 million to cover construction cost shortfalls. Deputy Reeve Ron Beecroft cast the only vote in Opposition to pro­ ceeding as he expressed concern about an increase to taxpayers in Wingham while township ratepay­ ers may contribute nothing to the shortfall. However, Morris, Tumberry and East Wawanosh councils will be approached about increasing their contributions. Each had already committed $100,000 over three years to the project. Originally estimated at $6.4 mil- Armstrong said the issue was not presented at a board meeting because trustees only deal with matters of policy and large expenditures. “This cost would have come out of budgets that involve the care and maintenance of schools,” she said, complex lion, the cost has risen to $7.9 mil­ lion. The fundraising committee hopes to raise another $400,000 to $500,000 beyond the $5.7 million pledged. Project Chair Bill McGrath said the committee is also looking at ways to cut costs. At a transition board meeting for North Huron, approval was also given for the work. 1f1/1 f the whole family can cash in on. You’ll find incredible savings in every department! Our Compliments SOFT DRINKS 12 X 355 ml x . x Smart Choice Selected Varieties POTATO CHIPS 170 g PRODUCT OF U.S.A. 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