School board allocates $6M for safety upgrades including cameras and notification system

The Scranton School District held a work session on January 29, 2024, focusing on budget allocations for safety and security enhancements within the district. The meeting began with a review of the funding awarded for Phase 1 of the security upgrades, which totaled approximately $1.9 million. This funding was sourced from the 2023 budget, where the board authorized a $6 million transfer from the general fund surplus to a capital reserve fund dedicated to safety and security initiatives.

Additionally, the district received a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to support the first phase of the Verkada camera installation. Following these expenditures, approximately $4.3 million remains from the authorized transfer for future safety and security projects.

The discussion then shifted to Phase 2 of the security upgrades, which aims to install additional interior cameras and enhance access controls. The estimated cost for this phase is around $2.5 million. Board members confirmed that the remaining funds, after accounting for Phase 1 expenses, would leave just under $2 million available for further security enhancements.

The meeting also addressed the InformaCast Mass Notification System, which is part of a broader safety initiative. The district is currently seeking bids for a public address system that will integrate with the InformaCast system, with plans to potentially award the contract in March. Funding for this system may also be drawn from the remaining safety and security budget or could qualify for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing safety and security measures, with significant financial resources allocated to these initiatives. The board will continue to monitor the budget and funding opportunities as they progress with the planned upgrades.