TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Monday evening, the Vigo County School Board approved bringing new security measures to schools, among several other updates.
A grant of over $200,000, will allow the Vigo County School Corporation (VCSC) to purchase 12 sets of metal detectors. These metal detectors are portable and are calibrated to only pick up weapons. They will be available for all VCSC schools and will be used for after-school extracurricular activities. Dr. Rowshandel and Kurt Brinegar also mentioned that new security cameras and radios have also been implemented.
“We work on something every day and every year we add an extra layer of security,” said Kurt Brinegar, Coordinator of Safety and Security. “And we look at different aspects, what technology is out there in the community to be purchased. And what would work and fit best for our schools.”
Another topic mentioned during the meeting was an air quality testing update on the schools. Several schools were tested, and a classroom at Otter Creek and at Terre Town tested for a slight elevation in mold. Those classrooms have undergone a deep cleaning and have received an air scrubber. Superintendent Chris Himsel said they plan to do a retest in the next several months to see what’s next.
“We work closely with the health department,” said Himsel. “If it was a health concern and the health department said it was something we should be worried with, we would be following their advice and removing people from those rooms. But the health department has not told us to do that, so therefore we are just going through our normal remediation procedures. There isn’t an immediate concern, but we are addressing it so it doesn’t become an immediate concern.”
Also at tonight’s meeting, Lynae Owen from South Vigo High School, was awarded the “Black History Makers of Tomorrow Scholarship”. The seventh grade West Vigo Middle School basketball team, was recognized for winning the Western Indiana Conference Western Division Championship as well.
