Superintendent stresses school safety; athletic director reports spring season and equipment needs

Superintendent Jason used his report at the April 6 meeting to emphasize school safety measures under way and to preview community events and athletics updates.

On safety, Jason said the district has invested several years in planning with local law enforcement and school resource officers, and described steps intended to make emergency response faster and clearer. The district has posted double‑facing room numbers (visible inside and outside rooms), installed 911 caller‑ID tied to classroom phones and will conduct response drills during the first week of May that will rehearse reunification outside campus parking lots rather than off‑site.

"It is our top priority in our school district," Jason said of safety planning, adding the district will not post detailed security response plans but will communicate logistics and procedures to families in advance of drills. He also noted the district had not received swatting calls but had been monitoring similar incidents in nearby towns.

Athletic director Sam Yoder provided a season overview and highlighted participation and equipment issues. Yoder said spring sports are under way (tennis, softball, baseball, track, lacrosse) and noted strong turnouts: "We have 75, which is more than we expected" in some programs. He reported middle‑school and varsity scheduling changes, pending coach hires (an assistant track coach and a new varsity football coach), and that some equipment — especially baseball bats and catcher's gear — needs replacement; new middle‑school uniforms had been ordered for some teams.

Yoder said the district will evaluate equipment needs in June to prioritize purchases and suggested budgeting for a small set of replacement bats and dozens of baseballs. Committee members discussed costs and regulatory differences between bat types for middle‑ and high‑school play.

Scott Ebert, facilities lead, reported separately that Premier Seal Coating agreed to warranty and resurface winter‑damaged tennis courts when weather permits, that Millville building automation equipment would be installed beginning April 17, and that a slow leak in the JFK boiler room requires vendor attention.

The superintendent also announced a District Family Day on May 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school and noted the high school spring performance immediately follows the event. The marching band will travel to Disney for a parade April 19 and members discussed logistics for luggage and instrument transport.

What comes next: the administration will schedule an actuary presentation on the OPEP account, the business office will continue to track encumbrances through April 14, and the facilities team will coordinate tennis court repairs and boiler vendor work.