7440 - FACILITY SECURITY

Buildings constitute the greatest financial investment of the ESC. It is in the best interest of the Governing Board to protect the ESC’s investment adequately. The buildings and equipment owned by the Governing Board shall be protected from theft and vandalism in order to maintain the optimum conditions for carrying out the educational programs.

The Superintendent shall develop and supervise a program for the security of the school buildings, school grounds, and school equipment pursuant to statute and rules of the State. Such a program may include video and/or audio surveillance equipment in appropriate public areas in and around the schools and other ESC facilities. Every effort shall be made to apprehend those who knowingly cause serious physical harm to ESC property and to require such persons to rectify the damage or pay a fee to cover repairs. A reward may be offered for apprehending such persons.

Appropriate authorities may be contacted in the case of serious offenses.

The Superintendent is authorized to install metal detectors and other security devices which would assist in the detection of guns and dangerous weapons and/or other unauthorized objects (e.g., vape pens and other prohibited equipment/devices) in school buildings, on ESC property, and/or at Governing Board-sponsored/controlled events.

The Superintendent shall report to the Governing Board each major case of vandalism and the extent of the damage.

Staff, students, and visitors who intentionally circumvent, interfere with, or disable security measures, systems, and/or devices may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment for an employee, suspension or expulsion from work or school for a student, and may also face criminal charges.

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