A major highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a 3D mapping project aimed at improving school safety and emergency response capabilities. Stephanie Hoy, the director of student services and transportation, presented this collaborative effort with the Taunton Police Department. Captain Nichols explained that the project involves creating detailed, interactive 3D models of school buildings. These models will replace outdated 1D maps to help first responders visualize school layouts more effectively during emergencies.

Captain Nichols elaborated on the features of the new mapping technology, which includes critical links to camera locations and fire safety equipment. This allows responders to have real-time information and make informed decisions during critical moments. Representatives from SERID, Kevin Ham and Todd Castro, emphasized the operational advantages of the tool for managing emergency responses, noting that it provides essential information such as the locations of alarm panels and emergency exits.

The 3D mapping initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance school safety. The committee also discussed the implementation of several communication and emergency response protocols. A base radio communication system was highlighted for its effectiveness, as demonstrated by a quick response to a medical emergency last year. Regular tests of this system ensure its operational readiness.

Additionally, the Crisis Go app has been a cornerstone of emergency notifications, enabling two-way communication between staff and security personnel. This app allows for streamlined alerts during crises, such as lockdowns. Crisis Go buttons have also been introduced in each school to facilitate direct alerts to emergency services.

Emergency operation plans, developed in collaboration with police and fire departments, are updated regularly and are available in every classroom. These plans include procedures for various emergency scenarios and flowcharts for administrators. The presence of school resource officers (SROs) was emphasized, with a total of five present at the meeting.

The committee also addressed the importance of routine safety drills, including fire drills and lockdown exercises, with a possibility of adding evacuation drills. The need for bus safety drills was acknowledged. Training initiatives for school administrators in the Incident Command System (ICS) were discussed.

Access controls at school entrances, such as vestibules to screen visitors, were also highlighted. Collaboration between the technology department and the police ensures that law enforcement can access school camera feeds in real-time, improving response capabilities.

The committee praised the positive relationships between SROs and students, noting that these officers are seen more as mentors than traditional law enforcement. The committee members were encouraged to seek out best practices from other districts to enhance their own safety protocols.

Further discussions included the implementation of the IM curriculum and its alignment with real-world applications. Concerns about the curriculum’s challenges for teachers and parents were raised, with suggestions for providing scripts to assist teachers unfamiliar with certain subjects. The issue of adequate substitute teachers was also discussed, with a particular focus on the impact of teacher absences on classroom efficiency.

The meeting transitioned to the Committee of the Whole, where the discussion centered on the request for proposals (RFPs) for legal services. Superintendent John J. Cabral recapped the progress made in obtaining these RFPs, with a grading system based on a comprehensive rubric. The matter was referred to the Rules subcommittee for further evaluation and recommendations for hiring legal counsel.

New business included plans for high school advisory subcommittee meetings to address space concerns at Taunton High School and the Alternative High School. The committee also discussed the condition of the Hopwell School, which serves as a voting location, agreeing to refer the issue to long-range planning.