The most notable development was introduced by Stephanie Hoy, the Director of Student Services and Transportation, who emphasized the strong relationship between the Taunton School District and the Taunton Police Department. Highlighting the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, Hoy outlined ongoing improvements in school safety, including a collaborative project with experts from SERID to develop a 3D mapping toolkit. This project aims to replace traditional 1D printed maps with high-resolution 3D models of school buildings, aiding emergency responders in navigating schools during critical incidents.

Captain Nichols elaborated on the utility of these 3D maps in active shooter and hostile event responses, stating, “The thing to remember about school safety is it’s important that we continually move forward.” The project includes essential safety features such as the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits. Kevin Ham and Todd Castro, involved in the project, emphasized the tool’s potential to bring order in chaotic situations, assisting officers in making informed decisions quickly during emergencies.

In addition to the 3D mapping initiative, other safety measures were discussed. These included the Raptor system for visitor check-ins, which scans identification to check for alerts, and the installation of two-way emergency radios in all schools to facilitate direct communication between school principals and the police department. Hoy recounted an instance where these radios enabled a swift response to a medical emergency.

Furthermore, the Crisis Go app was highlighted as a critical tool for emergency notifications and staff communication during lockdowns. This app, along with newly installed Crisis Go buttons in every school, enhances the ability to engage emergency response teams quickly. The app and buttons streamline the process of notifying police and coordinating evacuations, providing a robust framework for handling intruder situations and other emergencies.

The meeting also covered updates to emergency operation plans, developed with input from local police and fire departments. These plans, which include detailed flowcharts and step-by-step instructions, are distributed in smaller formats to classrooms for easy access. The district has also increased security personnel at Taunton High School through federal funding, retaining additional security guards and reinforcing the presence of SROs who play a key role in building positive relationships with students.

Annual safety drills, including fire and lockdown drills, are consistently conducted to ensure preparedness. This year, evacuation drills have been added, and comprehensive training for school administrators has been introduced through a partnership with Preparedness LLC. This includes tabletop exercises to clarify roles and responsibilities during crises.

In parallel, security camera coverage has been expanded, particularly at middle and high school levels, with plans to address gaps at the elementary level. The district is also considering the construction of vestibules for better visitor screening, with improvements already implemented at Elizabeth Pole and Parker schools.

A significant portion of the meeting also focused on the collaborative efforts among various community entities, particularly the positive role of SROs. These officers are seen more as colleagues than traditional police, fostering a sense of community and contributing to a familial atmosphere during school events. The voluntary nature of many safety drills and programs was emphasized. The district’s efforts to promote mental health resources were also acknowledged, with no student arrests reported in the previous year, attributed to the strong relationships between students and SROs.

Additionally, the committee discussed educational concerns, including challenges faced by parents in assisting with math homework and the need for more substitute teachers. The superintendent acknowledged that education is constantly evolving, which may contribute to these difficulties. The Committee of the Whole’s recent meeting focused on evaluating proposals for legal services, with the finance and law subcommittee presenting bills payable for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, which were approved without dissent.

Staffing updates revealed that the district had achieved over 90% staffing at the start of the year, with some schools reaching 100% staffing. The committee addressed concerns about the condition of the Hopwell School, which serves as a voting location, and agreed to refer these to long-range planning for immediate action.