SALEM (WSLS 10) -
Salem is talking about improvements to make school safer. In September there was a lock down drill at the high school before school started. Officials say it was done because many active shooter incidents occur during unstructured times during the day.
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There were some problems, like announcements using the P.A. system could not be heard throughout the building and there were no adults monitoring the front door.
Since school was not in session it was impossible to account for students. They've since made changes to address the issues but also would like police to give them more training, a budget for a new crossing guard and would like to install a visible signal, like a blue strobe light, to signal a lock-down.
School officials say another drill is planned for the fall.
Salem wants to give every high school student a Google Chromebook to use starting next year. They found a "digital divide" where not all students had access to technology needed especially when they go home. Salem is looking at a lease-to-own option where they can buy each Chromebook for $1 at the end of the lease.
1,250 Chromebooks at a cost of $350 means a cost of $437,000. Officials say it would be paid over three years. The first payment would come from the Capital Improvement Plan Reserve and following payments would be built into the budget.
The Salem School Board meets with City Council at 5:30 p.m. Monday.