Security upgrades at schools gain official support

AYER — With a 4-0 vote, selectmen are supporting an article at fall town meeting that is seeking $51,859 to install security upgrades at the schools.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lore Nielsen, assistant superintendent Brian McDermott and school board Chairman Daniel Sallet were before the selectmen Tuesday night to discuss Article 2 on the town meeting warrant.

Central to that project is a new central locking system, which they said was identified as a key need during a recent comprehensive safety evaluation of the schools.

McDermott said the system would allow for full lockdown or unlocking from a central location. It would also allow for sections of the school to be opened for after-school activities, he said.

Overall, he said installation of the system would require approval from the Police and Fire departments. He added that having an emergency power source has already been identified as a requirement.

The lock upgrades are expected to complement recent upgrades to the exterior doors of the schools, many of which did not close automatically after being opened, said McDermott.

Selectman Pauline Conley asked how overall implementation of the security needs assessment is going.

“The priorities have been made and set by the School Committee, they have not all been carried out,” said Nielsen.

However, Selectman Cornelius Sullivan suggested they are on the right track.

“It sounds like you found a great project to fit the needs of the town,” he said.

Soon after, Selectman Paul Bresnahan motioned the board support the measure at town meeting, which was approved 4-0, with Conley abstaining.

The fall town meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 24.