Lowell School Committee asks superintendent to develop RFP for outside security audit

The Lowell School Committee on April 3 voted to ask the superintendent to develop a request for proposals and identify an outside security company to perform a total safety and security assessment of Lowell Public Schools.

Committee member Mr. Conway, who introduced the motion, said the district must be “proactive instead of reactive” about safety for the district’s thousands of students and staff. Members discussed phasing any audit to reduce upfront costs and recommended that the superintendent work with the Lowell Police Department and internal staff while drafting the RFP.

Supporters pointed to the scale of the district and the need for outside expertise. “There are companies that do this on a regular basis that are constantly bringing up best practices,” Mr. Conway said, arguing that an outside firm could advise while police remain part of the solution. Others, including Miss Martin and Mr. Le, said the RFP should be developed in concert with the police and internal stakeholders so the district can specify exactly what it needs before soliciting bids.

Superintendent Skinner said staff will meet with police and other stakeholders and return with a proposed RFP and options for phased work and cost estimates. Committee members also emphasized the potential for a multi-stage approach that could begin at the high school and expand to other schools.

The motion was amended on the floor to request that the superintendent develop the RFP and identify an outside security company and to report on outreach to the police chief. The amended motion passed by voice vote; committee members indicated unanimous support.

Next steps: the superintendent will draft the RFP language, consult the Lowell Police Department and include stakeholders before the committee considers the RFP for release.