Perkiomen Valley SD safety update: two new officers, camera upgrade plan and grant deadlines

Speaker 3 reported the district is expanding its safety staff and equipment while pursuing state grant money to modernize camera systems.

At the meeting, Speaker 3 said two officers will join the district’s safety force: "Michael Burdick will come on this coming Monday," and a second hire, Getz, a current Pennsylvania State Police captain, is expected in mid-March. "There will be 7 of us when the 2 of them come on board," Speaker 3 said, describing both hires as experienced in school safety and law enforcement.

The presenter showed a district vehicle on display and said crews are completing lettering and lighting. He reported most firearms equipment and on-campus safes are in hand and that officers will receive certification once sighting systems arrive. "In fact, today at 02:00, I got the shipping notification from FedEx," Speaker 3 said regarding expected equipment delivery.

Training and compliance were emphasized. The district completed CPI (nonviolent crisis intervention) training and participated in the state’s initial Act 55 training offered by PCCD; Speaker 3 said roughly 95% or more of staff have completed required courses and the administration is keeping records for audit purposes.

District leaders outlined a three-part camera funding effort: a noncompetitive $45,000 award, a competitive grant with a $450,000 maximum focused on foundational hardware and software, and follow-up camera purchases. Speaker 1 reminded the group that "the deadline for the grant for these 3 grants is February 28" and cautioned about spending restrictions on grant-funded items.

Administration said some existing cameras will be compatible with the new platform but that upgrades would allow automated cross-camera timing and tracking features; presenters noted that some functionality could include automated tracking across cameras. The district has bids for the software back end and plans to adjust procurement if the competitive grant is not awarded.

Next steps: the safety staff hires will be onboarded, equipment will be finalized and officers certified, and the administration will complete camera grant applications and keep the board updated if timelines or funding change.