The committee expressed gratitude for the support from the Revere Police Department, particularly the School Resource Officers (SROs), in light of recent events. Superintendent Dr. Dianne Kelly highlighted a community forum scheduled for the following Tuesday at Revere High School, aimed at engaging staff, students, and families to discuss school safety and address the negative media portrayals affecting the student community. The committee emphasized the importance of ensuring students do not feel vilified while addressing safety issues and acknowledged the harm these portrayals can cause.

A notable improvement discussed was the recent revamping of the school’s communication system. The new protocol, developed in collaboration with the Revere Police, allows for direct calls to 911 from any classroom phone without needing additional numbers. This change enables 911 operators to immediately identify the caller’s location. Furthermore, staff members now carry walkie-talkies that allow direct communication with 911 dispatch, eliminating the need to reach a landline. Additionally, a new training initiative will teach students how to text 911 silently in emergencies, enabling them to discreetly call for help if they cannot speak, which will benefit not just Revere Public Schools but also parents in various settings across the Commonwealth.

The committee also discussed potential security enhancements, including the idea of implementing panic buttons for staff. Some members expressed concerns about the visibility of such buttons, fearing they might create anxiety among students. There was a preference for discreet safety measures, as highlighted by a committee member referencing the minimal appearance of previously purchased locks. The importance of staying informed about various safety devices and protocols was emphasized, with representatives attending annual safety training to stay updated on best practices.

Staffing and security personnel were another focal point of the meeting. A proposal to hire one retired officer to supplement the existing hall monitors was discussed, with the intention of enhancing supervision in the hallways of the high school, which has approximately 2,200 students. Committee members voiced support for this idea, emphasizing the importance of responsible adults building authentic relationships with students to foster a safe environment. The committee acknowledged the significance of connections between students and educators or law enforcement, as these relationships can often be crucial in preventing incidents.

The committee then reviewed the role of campus supervisors and the importance of having responsible adults present to assist the SROs. They are working to increase the number of campus supervisors and are nearing full staffing. SROs train these supervisors to ensure they are well-prepared with best practices for engagement throughout the school day.

A proposal was put forth to conduct a safety audit of the schools, including the high school, to identify gaps in existing safety plans developed in collaboration with the Revere Police. The need for an external expert’s perspective on potential improvements was emphasized, with one member expressing support for a holistic review of the safety systems in place. A security consulting company, with experience working on significant projects, was mentioned as a candidate to conduct this assessment. A motion was made to bring in this security consultant to evaluate the current security measures and provide a plan moving forward. The committee discussed the procurement process and the need for an initial cost assessment before proceeding.

During public comments, concerns were raised about the fear among teachers and staff after a recent incident where a teacher was injured. Questions were posed about whether teachers had continued to monitor hallways during class transitions, a practice that had lapsed in previous years.

Following discussions about security measures, the conversation shifted to the need for proactive engagement with students who may be struggling. A member shared insights from discussions with an officer regarding the importance of connecting with at-risk students in a less formal setting. The idea was proposed to create a forum where these students can have meaningful conversations without the pressure of adult supervision, allowing for a more open dialogue.

A budget allocation of $30,000 was discussed to support these forums and to facilitate direct communication between the committee, parents, and students, fostering an environment where concerns can be addressed effectively. The committee acknowledged that students involved in disciplinary incidents would still receive education, albeit outside of the high school setting. The need for continued engagement and support for these students and their families was emphasized, as it is important for their development and reintegration. The ongoing process for students returning from suspensions includes meetings with social workers and guidance counselors. This includes restorative practices aimed at fostering positive relationships among peers.