Seekonk Schools Increasing Security

Administrators are working on enhanced security for school buildings as the 2022-2023 year is set to begin on Thursday, September 1. Superintendent Rich Drolet said plans are for a second school resource officer to be hired before the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. Drolet said the new camera installation has been completed. ‘This work was part of our technology infrastructure upgrade in which we utilized ESSER 3 Covid monies,” Drolet said at Monday’s school committee meeting.

In addition, Drolet will be meeting again with the District Safety Task Force. The group will include school principals, the Seekonk Fire Chief Sandra Lowery, and Police Chief Dean Isabella and Town Administrator Shawn Cadime.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson’s office was also contacted about conducting an external security audit and are also exploring the possibility of bringing some therapy dogs into our schools,” Drolet said, adding there would also be trainings for administrators to “respond to critical incidents, problem solve, and help continue to provide a positive school climate.”

10 new teachers and instructional aides have been hired. Two teachers still need to be hired due to recent resignations. Teachers will return to the classroom on August 31. Drolet will welcome them back with an opening address at Seekonk High School.

Principals and school staff are planning their building openings, finalizing student schedules, and getting ready to welcome students on the first day of school, Drolet said, adding there will be no mask requirement or testing for Covid in accordance to DESE (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) policy.